Volume 19 Issue 3 Published monthly by the Union of Ontario Indians - Anishinabek Nation Single Copy: $2.00 April 2007

NBI/WATER: Lifeblood of Mother Earth Moved by the spirit of creation, Josephine Mandamin, an Anishinawbe Quay Grandmother, recognized the importance of water to our life and acted on her vision to walk for the water around the Great Lakes. In her spiritual journey to raise awareness about the need to take care of the water, she was joined by many women and men for support. From 2003 to 2006, they walked around four of the Great Lakes. This photo was taken when the Water Walkers visited Lake Huron Chiefs meeting in Whitefi sh Lake First Nation in May, 2005. Velma Michano, Gladys McDonald, Laura Liberty, Violet Caibaiossai, Josephine Mandamin, David Trudeau, Kyle Trudeau, Josh Wemigwans, Leona Stevens, Serene Manitowabi and Rose Corbiere were greeted by Bob Goulais, right, executive assistant to the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief. On Saturday April 28, 2007, Josephine Mandamin, supporters and fellow walkers will set out from Fort Erie, Ontario to walk around Lake Erie and complete the circle of their journey. Please join in this great and wonderful event, through walking, assisting, donating, accommodating, feasting, providing security, hosting events, and spreading the word – everything helps us all. More information is available at http:// www.motherearthwaterwalk.com or by contacting Josephine Mandamin at (807) 622-2457 or by e-mail at: [email protected] Related articles: Page 9 – First Anishinabek Women’s Water Commission appointed Page 13 – Anishinabek and Ontario agree to co-management of Great Lakes basin Page 2 Anishinabek News April 2007 Anishinabek Little NHL 2007 results SUDBURY – The 36th annual Little Native Hockey League Tournament was another resounding success, attracting over 100 teams and over 2,000 players to the March 11-15 event. The Ojibwe Cultural Foundation was instrumental in organizing this year’s event. Final results, provided by the OCF’s Alan Corbiere: Tyke Boys Garden River: 13 / Wasauksing: 0 Novice Boys Kettle & Stoney Point: 8 / Oneida: 7 Atom Boys Moose Cree: 4 / Garden River: 3 Peewee Boys Akwesasne: 3 / Garden River: 2 Bantam Boys Eagle Lake: 6 / Aamjiwnaang: 3 Midget Boys Wikwemikong: 3 / Ginoogaming: 2 Junior Girls Wikwemikong: 4 / Curve Lake: 3 Senior Girls Little NHL trophy presenters, from left, Lloyd McGregor, Ginoogaming midget division goaltender, NHL legend Reggie Leach, and tourney organizers Aundeck Omni Kaning: 6 / Curve Lake: 1 Debbie Debassige and Dawn Madahbee.

Wikwemikong woman fi ghts racism in taxation battles NAAF By Medora Hicks other departments and persons I refusing to pay the sales tax. This Anii! Esna Boozhoo! know personally. Within a very prompted others to surround me 4 x 8.75 A few years ago we deemed short while I started to receive in front of everyone else in the our country a Multicultural responses to my letter and got a Mall. I left there and think I cried Canada. What happened? We are lot of support to my cause. all the way home. I called my very loving people and always After a few days I received husband at work and he advised willing to help our fellow humans another call which was, I later me to make a call to the Human when in need. Here we are today found out, Rights Commission in Ottawa. I feeling the effects of racism and from Sears’ did just that and before too long I discrimination. vice-president received a call to request from me I recently placed an order by of customer a letter explaining my experience. phone with Sears Canada and relations. She So it was dealt with and the was told the total of my order was asked me owners of the store were advised X amount of dollars including the to relate the to write a letter of apology to taxes. I replied that I am tax- experience I me and display a poster on anti- exempt. On checking my order had with my racism. the woman proceeded to tell me order and A few weeks ago travelling Medora Hicks she could remove the PST only. when I told her between Birch Island and I stated that I live on a reserve she apologized emphatically. Whitefi sh Falls an OPP offi cer and I am a Status Indian who is As far back as I can remember pulled me over. He told me he exempt from both taxes. This Native people have always relied clocked me at 100 km in an 80 salesperson refused to remove on Sears catalogues to order their zone, and gave me a warning to the GST at which time I asked necessities. In those times it was observe the speed limit. Then to speak to her supervisor, a lady the most convenient method of he said, “You, being from Wiky, who told me the same thing. getting supplies and acquiring you’re bound to be a repeat When I voiced my rights as a goods, from fabrics, frying pans customer around here.” Well, Native person, she told me I am to Swede saw fi les. It was part I’m not sure what he meant by very lucky, to which I replied that of our lifestyle to order from a that remark only that I felt it was luck has nothing to do with it – I catalogue. If it weren’t for the totally uncalled for, especially have my status and am exempt Native people in more isolated by an offi cer and a person of from both taxes. I asked her if I communities ordering from authority. could speak to her manager and Sears, they most likely would not Racism is very much alive she told me “I am the manager,” be in existence today. It was our and well. again saying I am damn lucky to loyalty and consistent support that Over the years I have met not have been paying the GST. put Sears Canada in the position many people from various walks Out of frustration I told her they are now in. of life and made many friends that she is the one who is damn Years ago I was at a drug who are non-Native and they are lucky, that I have always been store to make a purchase and my best friends to this day. It Native and no one can change when I presented my Status Card only takes one and only now and that, I live on Wikwemikong the cashier told me to “throw that then to generate a sour taste and Unceded Indian Reserve and have away” …it was “no good.” She it all comes back again – all the always been in my own country. proceeded to shout at me “you injustices we have encountered in At that point she said “I am not people and your tobacco, I have the past. arguing with you any more” and read about it in the papers.” This We need to speak up for hung up – the telephone went was during the time of the Oka ourselves, for our rights as a abuzz in my ear. crisis, in 1990. I put the items native people. Taking the time I went to my computer and back on the shelf, but I found to act and fi le a complaint is all wrote a letter of complaint to Sears myself in the midst of a crowd of it takes sometimes to resolve a Customer Services, copied to the interested and nosey people. small part of our issues and daily Union of Ontario Indians and One man asked me why I was encounters. April 2007 Anishinabek News Page 3 Gichi-oodena / Urban Rez Native population outpacing available services THUNDER BAY – Aboriginal funding from the OFIFC, funding for services. The research researchers used community the city’s children. youth are increasing in numbers provincial ministries and federal shows the median income for surveys, interviews, focus 2001 Census data shows in Thunder Bay according departments. It shows, among Aboriginal families is $18,449 groups, plenary sessions, and school attendance rates among to Statistics Canada Census many fi ndings, signifi cant changes per year, markedly less than non- life histories to collect data from Aboriginal youth (15 to 24 years) breakdown of the city’s urban in the demographics and service Aboriginals. January 2006 until June 2006. The increased signifi cantly from 1981 Aboriginal population. gaps of urban Aboriginal Peoples. Anne Lesage, executive study included 425 respondents; (46%) to 2001 (64%). Thunder Bay’s research was “There has been a 172% director of the Thunder Bay Aboriginal respondents comprised 79.6% of community survey commissioned by the Urban increase in Aboriginal population,” Indian Friendship Centre, says, 89% of respondents overall. respondents experienced racism Aboriginal Task Force (UATF), Sally Ledger, executive director “I have seen the changes in our 2001 Census data shows from non-Aboriginal people in Ontario Federation of Indian of the Ontario Native Women’s organizations’ ability to meet the that: 1/3 of Aboriginal peoples malls (33%), dealing with police Friendship Centres (OFIFC), Association (ONWA) says. increasing need for services. It is in Thunder Bay were under the (31%), in restaurants (30%), in Ontario Native Women’s Failure to address the not only an increase in numbers; age of 15; Aboriginal peoples schools (29%), on buses (27%) and Association (ONWA) and jurisdictional boundaries of it is increasing poverty. Children made up about 7% of the city’s in health care (39%) (e.g. hospital, the Ontario Métis Aboriginal federal, provincial, and municipal in our community experience total population; and, Aboriginal doctor, dentist and optometrist’s Association (OMAA) with funding has led to a lack of core daily hunger.” Community children represented about 13% of offi ces). Fort William community group focuses on environmental issues By Deanna Marie Therriault handed down through countless generations. In short, FORT WILLIAM FN – When the people of Fort they’re cleaning up. William First Nation leave the comforts of their The group was formed in the summer of 2006, homes they are greeted with something other than and is coordinated by Fort William First Nation what our Creator had intended: garbage, litter and community member, Damien Lee and a council of dump sites scattered across the reserve, the rotten 12 community members residing both on and off- egg stench of the Bowater Mill, boarded up ruins of reserve. The group governs the activities which at Squaw Bay Road dump site. former homes, bears and stray dogs. present have zeroed in on land waste. The issue is community pollution; the solution On December 17, 2006 the Anishinabek of is the Anishinabek of the Gichigami (AGG), a the Gichigami hosted an Open House formerly newly formed autonomous, community-based introducing themselves to the community and environmental group. showcasing their accomplishments to date. This group of like-minded community, The centerpiece of the gathering was a youth volunteers is committed to the traditional principle photo exhibit entitled This Is Our Home. that Anishinabe peoples are keepers of the land, Youth were armed with disposable cameras and stewards of the bountiful gifts given to us by Mother told to capture what they perceived as pollution and Earth, and they intend to educate the rest of their contaminants within the community. They were community about how to maintain and secure her successfully able to highlight the environmental gifts for future generations. They are reclaiming their challenges faced by this reserve. They also identifi ed Youth photo exhibit focuses on environmental concerns. traditional lands and re-assuming the responsibilities over 250 on-reserve dumping sites. High school promoting awareness By Heather Campbell SUDBURY – Native Awareness Day at Sudbury Secondary School in Sudbury is increasing cross- cultural understanding among students and teachers. Teresa Flamand, the school’s Native Liaison Worker, organized a February day-long agenda of traditional Native food, traditional Susan Manitowabi from Laurentian University was a guest presenter at teachings and demonstrations, Sudbury Secondary School’s Native Awareness Day. bringing in local speakers and Elders to share their teachings Grade 11, helped organize the He says that as he learns he and gifts with the student body. event. also teaches others. Sudbury Maxine Shawongonabe was “It’s important for all students, Secondary School has a signifi cant E#lder for the day-long event but shows non-native students percentage of aboriginal-heritage and shared some traditional another culture,” said Pettifer, “It students in their student body. medicine teachings. Young shows people we are struggling They have dedicated classroom people demonstrated pow-wow with problems but we have ways space for students to gather dances and men’s drumming. to deal with things, our traditions. and stay connected within the Other guests included Susan We need to keep them alive and school environment. The room Manitowabi talking about Native teach everyone.” is covered with posters refl ecting Parenting, Sonya Mason sharing In the past two years Pettifer Native teachings and role models, teachings on Traditional Cooking has learned to be a grass dancer. dream catchers and the Four and Lorraine Flamand with Native He says he feels more alive when Colours, creating a home away Crafts. he is dancing. “When you dance from home. Students can come Jericho Pettifer, 16, recently you don’t bring negativity into the and eat lunch, get resources and moved to the area and attending circle, you need to think positive.” just connect with their people. Page 4 Anishinabek News April 2007 Maanda ndinendam Opinion The Anishinabek News is a monthly publication of the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI). Views expressed are not necessarily the opinion or political position of the UOI. No portion of this paper, including advertisements, artwork, photos and edi- against their sons not refer to them as “bush torial content may be reproduced without written permission of the Anishinabek News Editor or UOI Executive. niggers” or “stupid f----ing Indians”, as has been Readers are invited to submit letters, articles, and photos for publication. Hockeyville: the case in recent months. There is a growing Please include your name, address and telephone number on all material sub- number of such reported incidents, without any mitted. All submissions will be reviewed for publication based on priority of inter- est and edited for clarity of thought, taste, brevity and legal implications. Remu- indication of concern by those responsible for neration will be paid for submissions only if a written agreement with the Editor Racism on ice overseeing the games or the facilities in which is made prior to publication. they are played. “Sticks and stones may break your bones, but Editor: Maurice Switzer names will never hurt you!” The mayor of North Bay refused to meet with Contributors: Ann Brascoupé, Holly Brodhagen, Heather Campbell, the parents of the boys who had been the target Christie A. Cooper, Cindy Crowe, Denise Desormeaux, At least that’s what they used to tell us when we Cherie Dimaline, Medora Hicks, Raymond M. Johns, of the racist insults in one of his city’s arenas. He Lynn McGregor, Marie McGregor Pitawanakwat, were little, presumably to make us feel better after also rejected a suggestion that he issue a public Val Monague, Roberta Oshkawbewisens Martin, some schoolyard bully sent us home in tears. Julie Ovenell-Carter, Ron Plain, J. Spencer Rowe, statement condemning such public conduct in his Dan Shaule, Deanna Marie Therriault, city. The parents were still waiting for a response Richard Wagamese and Shirley Williams I didn’t believe it then, and I don’t believe it to their request for a public apology from the local now. Editorial Board: Fred Bellefeuille, Les Couchie, Cathie Favreau hockey association. Production: Deb Sullivan Co-ordinator: Priscilla Goulais As I write these words, a loudmouth radio Teasing and taunting are part and parcel of announcer named Don Imus is backpedalling at Telephone: (705) 497-9127 Toll Free: 1-877-702-5200 sports – but there are boundaries. In my hockey Fax: (705) 497-9135 e-mail: [email protected] Olympic-calibre speed from on-air comments and softball-playing days I was the brunt of my Anishinabek News P.O. Box 711, Nipissing First Nation, he and his broadcasting sidekick made, to the North Bay, ON P1B 8J8 share of sideline jeers,but never personal slights. I effect that the members of the Rutgers University was luckier – and lighter-skinned – than ground- women’s basketball team were “nappy-headed breakers like Ted Nolan who has had to endure hos” and “jigaboos.” race-specifi c insults for most of his illustrious hockey career. Civilization as we know it must be When Nolan was coaching a Moncton junior Publishing Criteria coming to an end when team in a playoff game in Chicoutimi a couple of major corporations winters ago, some crowd members directed racist GOAL pay seven-fi gure To publish a quality newspaper and related publications de- taunting and yelling at the Garden River First salaries to people for Nation citizen. Subsequent public apologies were signed to foster pride and share knowledge about Anishinabek exhibiting no greater current affairs, culture, goals, and accomplishments. forthcoming from both the president of the hockey social skills than the club and mayor of the Saguenay region. OBJECTIVES ability to call other To provide information that refl ects the Creator’s four original people names. Sure, Nolan is back coaching in the National Hockey gifts to the Anishinabek: it’s racist. It’s also League these days, his New York Islanders having childish, ignorant, edged out the Maple Leafs for a playoff berth on Respect: To welcome diversity and encourage a free ex- boorish, and stupid. change of opinions that may differ without being disagreeable. the last day of the regular season. He is scheduled All of those adjectives Maurice Switzer to bring the Islanders to North Bay to compete in Fair and humourous comments are welcomed, but not ridicule are inter-changeable. or personal attacks. a pre-season exhibition game thisfall against the Atlanta Thrashers. Honesty: Debwewin – speaking the truth – is the cornerstone In addition to reserving special epithets for of our newspaper’s content. people of various ethnic backgrounds, Imus The right to host the exhibition game, along routinely refers to political leaders as “idiots” with a $60,000 cash award, were part of North Sharing: Providing opportunities for people from the four and “morons”, but tries to excuse his behaviour corners of the Anishinabek Nation to tell stories and record Bay’s prize for being selected as Hockeyville 2007 by pointing to his charity fund-raising, calling – the Canadian community “that best embodies achievements, and to keep our citizens informed about activi- himself “a good person” who was only “trying ties of the Union of Ontario Indians. the spirit of hockey and hometown spirit.” North to be funny,” and not blurting out such insulting Bay was also one of fi ve municipalities cited for Strength: To give a voice to the vision of the Anishinabek comments “out of anger.” “fairness” in the national competition. Nation that celebrates our history, culture and language, pro- motes our land, treaty, and aboriginal rights, and supports the The really sad thing is that there often don’t There’s something wrong with this picture. development of healthy and prosperous communities. seem to be serious consequences for people like this, especially if they enjoy positions of social or Maurice Switzer is a citizen of the Mississaugas NOTE: The Editor reserves the right to edit all submissions for economic power. Imus’ New York radio show had brevity, clarity, and suitability for publication. All formal com- of Alderville First Nation. He serves as director of ments and complaints must be addressed to Editorial Board c/o over 300,000 listeners – all potential purchasers of communications for the Union of Ontario Indians Anishinabek News. his sponsors’ products – and it took a lot of pressure in North Bay, and editor of the Anishinabek to fi nally convince his broadcast bosses that his News. talents might be more appreciated somewhere else – the monkey cage at the Central Park Zoo comes to mind. Advertising & News Deadlines The current circulation of the Anishinabek News is 10,000 copies, Not only are high-profi le people more likely with 9,000 mailed and 1,000 distributed at various events. to be excused when they behave badly, they also DEADLINES FOR MAY ISSUE can compound the problems they cause by setting examples for others to follow. Parents across Advertising North America shudder at the thoughts of their Bookings: April 20 Final Art: April 23 teen-aged daughters copying Britney Spears’ News choice of clothes – or lack of them. And when News submissions: April 20 hockey-playing cowboys like Todd Bertuzzi steer- Scheduled printing: May 4 wrestle opponents to the ice, it sends a subliminal For more information or inquiries to the Anishinabek News message to ankle-biters in arenas across the land related to advertising and circulation issues please call our new that such behaviour is acceptable – even desirable toll-free number: 1-800-463-6408 – if they hope to make it to the big leagues. Speaking of hockey, our offi ce has been working with a group of Nipissing First Nation CANADA POST CUSTOMER #1905929 AGREEMENT #0040011021 parents who’d prefer that 14-year-olds playing April 2007 Anishinabek News Page 5 Maanda ndinendam/Opinions First aid for the environment LETTERS By Ron Plain because my size 11’s would look like My writing here in the Anishinabek It was 2001 when the plant I worked clown feet on her. It has been a couple News allows me the opportunity to Casino cash stops fl owing at hired a new General Manager. He of months and she has settled into the share with you the news and events of was a bit of an odd sort but likeable. position exactly as I knew she would. environmental issues that effect you Across Ontario, First Nations share in the revenues generated by He had both saved someone and Change is diffi cult and stressful but and I. I enjoy this and am thankful casino operations located on Mnjikaning First Nation near Orillia. However, recently Ontario and the council of Mnjikaning have been saved by she, and the committee, have worked I am able to usurped control over the revenues distributed to First Nations and someone using through the change with focus and write. turned the taps off in an effort to infl uence lawsuits First Nations First Aid. determination. I became a Researcher, Over the have against both Ontario and Mnjikaning itself. To say he a Consultant if you will. My exposure course of the Information about these lawsuits is available on the web, but was a health and to the bigger picture of Aboriginal next year I will suffi ce it to say, the lawsuits are about broken agreements and safety guy is an environmental issues is leading me to be traveling promises made to First Nations in Ontario by the Province and understatement. exciting and fulfi lling opportunities throughout Mnjikaning and an unwillingness by them to honour the agreements He posted an to effect change on a national basis. Ontario talking and share equally in the benefi ts. opportunity for Working with Indigenous groups with you. Since I Mnjikaning has made good on its threat to shut off all funding “volunteers” from Mexico, the United States need to continue to Ontario’s First Nations. Failing to sign off on a mortgage for a to take the and Canada is allowing me to share to work for Ron Plain Ada Lockridge, casino hotel, Mnjikaning has forced the default on the mortgage, American Red our stories with international ears, Aamjiwnaang’s allowing the province to move in and claim all of the proceeds from Cross First Aid and to learn from the stories and health and The new Aamjiwnaang casino operations. This has meant that First Nations in Ontario will CPR courses. I thought to myself experiences of our relations in these environmental not receive any payment from casino Operations. Environment I’m 40-something, I should know other countries. concerns, The impacts to the rest of Ontario are real; many communities this stuff and signed up. Of the 90 Making conversation with a continue to work Committee rely on the proceeds from Rama to keep classrooms open, to employees of the plant only one other stranger on a train almost always leads internationally Chairperson fund youth recreation, community housing initiatives. The act of signed up. to the “What do you do?” question. to learn the Council of Mnjikaning and the subsequent cash sweep by the Our initiative earned us carte When I explain what I do they ask, how other Province will result in school closures, halted community projects blanche. We could, at full pay, take “How did you fi nd a job like this?” communities have succeeded, I that have real material impacts in the First Nations in Ontario. any course the Red Cross offered. I I do not have that answer. I believe I must also hear your stories. I need Why should the First Nations of Ontario suffer in silence while took them all, quickly advancing up am now doing what I was training for to continue to expose your stories to the coffers of the province and Mnjikaning Council get fatter and to Health and Safety representative my entire life, that each event good or other Anishinabek communities so fatter? Ontario First Nations should march upon Mnjikaning and the for the plant. bad has led me to this point. we can all learn and grow together. casino itself in protest until the money the province and Mnjikaning I took the qualifi cations earned at have stolen from us is returned. the plant and began doing First Aid Byron LeClair, Pic River First Nation courses on Aamjiwnaang. During these courses I repeatedly stated if German sees similarities you do not have a fi rst aid kit in your (Copy of a letter sent to Indian Affairs Minister James Prentice.) house, car, boat, RV and camper you Recently I’ve read your opinion that “First Nation Citizens don’t were being negligent. During one of have the same rights and remedies as other Canadians.” It’s really these courses one participant said if I shocking, embarrassing and shameful. believe that I should sell fi rst aid kits. In the eyes of the Creator we are all equal – every creation on All of a sudden I was in the medical this planet deserves the same respect. supply business. Obviously you don’t know the history of your country – ask My career as an environmentalist yourself why they are called First Nations – because they been began when Sunoco decided it was and still are the fi rst inhabitants of this land which is now stolen and okay to build an ethanol plant next to occupied by the white race. our community and I became part of For me, as a German citizen, these First Nations worldwide the new Aamjiwnaang Environment are the Treasure of Mankind. What will the white mankind leave on Committee. My time on the committee this planet? Only pollution, destruction, poverty and disparity and took me away from my business and shame. That really cannot make you proud. then the business closed. My work We as Germans have learned from our history that these kind of became being a full-time volunteer, thinkings is wrong and a crime and genocide. Till today the whole which, in turn, led to my election as world is reminding us about the Nazi time. It was the same injustice committee Chair. with the Jews as you are doing with First Nation. It doesn’t matter On January 15th of this year I if they are quarter, half, full blood – they are First Nations in your resigned my position as Chair and country and deserve your and our respect, recognition, restoration from the Aamjiwnaang Environment and the ability to live in peace instead of poverty and desperation. Committee. Ada Lockridge is now You should reconsider and start a reconciliation with an apology Chair and it has never been in better and honesty and respect. hands. She says she could never Stephanie Benver fi ll my shoes, I am glad to hear that In a Real Reality… A real reality is constructed by and through ideals of kindness Two-spirit means more than gay and humility... In a real reality, these values of goodness and humbleness By J. Spencer Rowe within our culture. They were teachers, healers and versus greed, individualism, and endless refuge production are I’m often asked to explain the two- So let me put it this way. protectors. Today they still exist, ritualized and, thus, embodied through ceremony and song from spirit within Anishnabek culture. We used to have in our culture but their roles and duties have the moment of conception… I’m not the sole authority on the and still do, people whose gifts not always been recognized or In a real reality, embodying knowledge and ‘embodied two-spirit but what I can share with were valued and utilized by our respected, and are often dismissed knowledge’ versus ‘reason knowledge’ is practiced and valued… In a real reality, all of the Creator’s creatures – plant and animal you is a historical and traditional communities. Some of these as “faggots” or some other white- and all their requirements such as clean water – are equal in the condensed view people could be called in English, man hateful view. But they are natural democracy… of who we are shamans, contraries, medicine still here challenging, doing and Or alternatively, in a real reality, all beings are accounted for… as I understand people, seers, transgender, gay, bi, performing the sacred duties they In a real reality, these values of goodness and humility become it. straight, artists, ritualists for cross- have been given to do, it is up to the interpretive lens for all we do and all we think… First there overs and name-giving, surrogate you to see it. In a real reality, these values of goodness and humbleness are is no such thing parents and clowns among many I hope this has helped a little encoded and codifi ed in all structures, institutions, policies, and as the two-spirit other always fascinating people. for those who have questions. legislations… as such. It was a For whatever reason there I encourage you to research for In a real reality, humans are taught the limitations of their name created in was/is not always a place for them yourselves as there is information consciousness, intelligences, and knowledge, as contradiction in the form of earthly destruction is rarely far away… the early 90’s J. Spencer Rowe within our lodges. They were/ is available . In a real reality, mind-varying drugs such as ritalin and anti- to somehow are historically and traditionally depressants are not required to fi t into the structures… give us a defi nition that people defi ned by their gifts/deeds and J. Spencer Rowe is a Toronto- In a real reality, humans are taught and know how pitiful we are may be better able to understand. named accordingly and thought based consultant, writer, and to counter our ego and arrogant tendency in constructing a real It has since become to mean being to have a special relationship with motivational speaker who is proud reality… gay and highly associated with the spirit world in their service of his Native and Irish heritage. In a real reality, practice is close to these theoretical ideals HIV/AIDS. Which is fi ne except to community. Sometimes they He can be contacted at 647-340- versus far away… that doesn’t refl ect the complex lived just outside of the village in 9483, or at his website at http:// Lynn Gehl, Peterborough and myriad varieties of our place a protective capacity if you will. spencerconsulting.tripod.com Page 6 Anishinabek News April 2007 Mno-bmaadziwin Bannock bakers guard their secrets NORTH BAY – Florence Becker onlookers, and helped hand out was delighted to be crowned trophies and prizes (oven mitts and winner of the 2007 Bannock Bake- baking supplies) to the winners. off at North Bay Indian Friendship Bannock was judged on taste, Centre.... but not enough to reveal colour, look, presentation, and the secrets of her winning recipe. height, and included one pinkish “Oh, you know, the usual raspberry entry. – fl our, lard, salt….” the Bear Island citizen said cautiously, after a panel of judges rated her traditional bannock the best of this year’s dozen entries. Florence maintained the tight- lipped tradition begun in last year’s inaugural competition, which organizer Lily Couchie launched as part of the Friendship Centre’s Life-long Care program. “It’s good to get the Elders out,” said Couchie after placing tiaras Champion bannock bakers, from left: Christabell Baptiste, Florence Becker and Lorraine Liberty. and sashes on the bannock queen and fi rst princess Lorraine Liberty abd second princess Christabell Social work requires gumption Baptiste. “ By Val Monague College). I realized that doors to fortitude, lots of love and kindness. They’re good cooks, and they When I was offered the position as management opened with a degree, As my gramma Harriet would say, like to get together.” Director of Social Services for the so off I went to Carleton University to you got to have “gumption”! The Couchie thanked her “loyal Union of Ontario Indians I said to get my Honours staff that work in our daycares, child staff,” who acted as judges, myself: “This Chimnissing island Bachelor of welfare prevention and protection served a lunch of beans, baloney, girl can become a northerner, or Social Work, services, social assistance/ and bannock to about 30 contest Judge Robin Antone perhaps more appropriately, a North- while working employment supports, mental health, bay-er, although given where I live, as a Social family violence, adult care, etc…in a temporary Nipissinger”. Policy Analyst our communities have “gumption”. I am very honoured that at the Chiefs I defi ne gumption as having the Nipissing First Nation has allowed of Ontario. nerve to make things better. me to live on their land (no one Oh yes, and I On behalf of the Anishinabek has knocked on my door telling me should mention Nation, the UOI staff are encouraged MBS otherwise). that social work Val Monague to strengthen our communication to Most of my adult life has been provides a solid the communities we work on behalf devoted to supporting families in foundation for of. I would like to celebrate and Ont Health one way or another. Fresh out of politics…. this is where I drew my champion some of the wonderful college I work at the “daycare” strength from in over my six years as things that are happening in our (ECA, George Brown College) then Chief of my community Beausoleil communities in the area of social it was on to Child Welfare (Youth FN. So here I am now, working for services by ensuring that our stories 4 x 8 Worker Cert., Georgian College) my favourite political organization, are included in the Anishinabek News then as Crisis Counsellor at a in a fi eld I am naturally drawn to, with a monthly section dedicated Women’s Shelter (thought I was tired hoping to make a difference in the to our work. I would also like to of Social and wanted to be my own lives of our families within all our highlight some of the struggles and boss so I got a diploma in Business member communities. I do believe barriers that are encountered so that & Tourism, Georgian College) I will stick around here for quite perhaps collectively we can help in and next thing I realized there I awhile. some way to make a difference in was after graduation, working as a Working in social services takes our world. Social Service Administrator (Social a special kind of person: an optimist, Take care…baa maa pii miin Service Worker Diploma, Loyalist a vessel full of energy, passion, and waa. Cancer facts Cancer is a serious public health concern for Ontario Aboriginal people, as it is for most Ontarians. Although the rate of new cases of cancer is Biidahban Health lower among First Nations people (Registered Status Indians), rates rose between 1968 and 2001 and becoming 4 x 4.5 similar to rates in the province of Ontario as a whole. This is largely due to rapidly rising rates of lung, breast and colorectal cancer in First Nations people.

There is a myth that cancer is rare among Aboriginal people. In fact, incidence of cancer is increasing, and has become the second most common cause of death in First Nations people.

The age distribution of the Aboriginal population differs from the rest of Ontario. Over 60 percent are under 30 years of age. As the population ages, the number of new cancer cases can be expected to increase as well.

Culturally-appropriate cancer information in Ontario is lacking. There are fewer materials still that are available in Aboriginal languages. April 2007 Anishinabek News Page 7 Mno-bmaadziwin/Health Beverly advocates good health Ontario supports My name is Beverly Restoule and I of Health, and my Native Counsellor have recently been hired as the Health Certifi cate from the Ministry of Advocacy Developer for the Northeast Education. no-smoking plan region. I am located at the Union of The Aboriginal Health Advocacy Ontario Indians offi ce at Nipissing Initative is mandated to ensure that TORONTO – The provincial recently introduced the province’s First Nation. I am from Dokis First Aboriginal, First Nation, and Metis government is providing $1,685,737 fi rst Aboriginal-specifi c mass media Nation, was born and raised in North people receive fair and equal services over two years for 13 initiatives that campaign to raise awareness of Bay and my ancestry is with Nipissing that are culturally appropriate. The address the disease prevention and the harmful effects of commercial First Nation. I am married to Tinny OAHAI is a project of the Aboriginal health promotion needs of Ontario’s tobacco. Restoule and we have four children Healing and Wellness Strategy Aboriginal communities. Smoking kills an average of and seven grandchildren. (AHWS), which was announced and The funding will go to 16,000 people in Ontario each year. I have 30 years’ experience started in 1994. This Initiative is Aboriginal organizations and Tobacco-related diseases cost the working for First Nation programs unique to Ontario. agencies to implement culturally- Ontario health care system at least such NNADAP Worker, Mental The Ontario Aboriginal Health appropriate initiatives that will best $1.7 billion a year, result in more Health Worker, Ontario Works Advocacy Initiative is a free address particular challenges facing than $2.6 billion in productivity Administrator, Education Counsellor, information and training resource Beverly Restoule the Aboriginal population. losses, and account for at least Clinic Manager, Housing Manager. for frontline and community support Health Promotion Minister 500,000 hospital days each year. Healing and Wellness Coordinator workers to address systemic advocacy to Pic Morbert and East to Ottawa. I Jim Watson said “We asked Ontario’s tobacco consumption and Health Outreach worker with issues research, information gathering, look forward to meeting with front organizations and agencies that has fallen by 18.7 per cent or the North Bay Friendship Center and developing partnerships with lobby line workers, health professionals and service these communities to more than 2.6 billion cigarettes Native Counsellor with the Northeast groups, reviewing legislation and organizations in the Northeast region tell us how best to address these since 2003. During that time, Mental Health Center. I have my driving policy to ensure Aboriginal to promote this very worthwhile challenges in their communities the government has increased its Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology health needs are met. initiative. For more information I can and these initiatives are as a result investments in tobacco control /Social Welfare my Certifi ed Nursing The Northeast region covers North be reached at 705-497-9127 ext. 2245 of this healthy partnership.” six-fold to a total of $60 million, Assistant Certifi cate with the Ministry to Attawapiskat, South to Orillia, West E-mail [email protected]. “This funding is very important including a $10 million increase in to Aboriginal communities across 2006 over the previous year. Ontario,” said David Martin, The Union of Ontario President of the Ontario Federation Indians, headquartered in North of Indian Friendship Centres. Bay, received support to begin “These programs will help us development of an “Anishinabek to address incidents of chronic Nation Smoke-Free Strategy” to North Bay disease, such as diabetes and cancer address the health and economic which are many times higher than burden of commercial tobacco the provincial average.” use in 42 member First Nations. Mental Health Unit The Ontario government also ($25,000). 6 x 8-7/8 FASD forum stresses mental health issues By Lynn McGregor VANCOUVER – A March conference at the University of British Columbia provided over 1100 delegates a major forum for discussion of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The agenda for the 2nd International Conference on FASD placed an emphasis on “Research, Policy and Practice Around the World”. Each day opened with plenary sessions sharing information about research projects, including presentations from doctors and professionals alike who have conducted studies to enhance the existing knowledge base of FASD worldwide. Many of the presentations emphasized that effect of alcohol consumption, long- term impacts of daily living, and the need to stress that FASD is a mental health issue that needs community supports for all parties affected. I was pleased to attend various workshops, including: “Moving Beyond Awareness” by Skeetchestn Band. A First Nation perspective on a community-based perspective of FASD concerns. Key topics included Prevention Best Practices, Community Strengths, and Culturally- Based Practices. This First Nation’s focus is on community input to programming, sensitivity to local values/practices, language inclusion, more personal contact with participants and multidisciplinary approaches to FASD prevention. First Nation community workers stress that FASD treatment means more than creating awareness -- it involves primary, secondary and tertiary service provision to those affected. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is a broad term used to describe a wide range of physical, neurodevelopmenal, behavioral, and cognitive disabilities due to prenatal alcohol exposure. Studies indicate that children suffer teratogenic damage as a result of maternal alcohol ingestion during the gestational period. First Nation representatives offered honour songs to those impacted by FASD, the master of ceremonies was an FASD child, FASD fl ags were presented to each country’s delegation, and a light ceremony commemorated those whose lives have been effected by FASD. Lynn works at Curve Lake offi ce Aanii,Boozhoo, Lynn McGregor Fox ndishnikaaz. I have been hired by the Union of Ontario Indians as the Southeast/Southwest Regional FASD Worker and will be based out of the Curve Lake Offi ce. I am a First Nation member of Whitefi sh River and a community member of Alderville First Nation. My partner William Crowe Jr. along myself with our children -- Bryton, 11, Christopher, 6, and daughter Presley, 2 -- enjoy spending time with our extended family and participating in various family-related fun activities. I hold diplomas in the area of Early Childhood Education, Child and Family Services; and possess a university degree inLiberal Arts from the University of Sudbury. I am in the process of continued completion of my Social Service Degree and Law Certifi cate from the University of Sudbury. And in my spare time I also assist with the family’s Canadian General Contracting and Roofi ng business. I look forward to meeting you in the near future. Please feel free to contact me at (705) 657-9383 Page 8 Anishinabek News April 2007 Ezhoosgaged/Arts Odjig Bartleman: a legacy of books By Ann Brascoupé home community, his fi rst hunting expedition, being honoured TORONTO – James K. Bartleman has made literacy called ‘inferior Indian’, his father’s famous raisin wine OTTAWA – Renowned Manitoulin an important part of his legacy as Ontario’s fi rst-ever and daily life. Island artist Daphne Odjig has been aboriginal lieutenant governor. The boy’s love of reading began at ten. Full of selected as one of this year’s eight Equally important as the hundreds of thousands of imagination and innocent wonderment, every issue of the winners of the Governor General’s books he has helped collect to fi ll Toronto Daily Star is read front Awards in Visual and Media Arts. often empty shelves in remote to back before his summer paper In presenting the awards, Daphne Odjig with Governor First Nations communities is delivery to wealthy customers. Governor General Michaelle Jean told General Michaëlle Jean at Rideau the biographical series he has His paper route funded the recipients : “ You continuously Hall produced to enlighten readers purchases of the familiar open our eyes to everything that is is always identifi able. Mixing about life as a Native in Canada. comics of the day beautiful in the world and we thank traditional Aboriginal styles and His latest – Raisin Wine: A – Batman, Superman, you for that.” imagery with Cubist and Surrealist Boyhood in a Different Muskoka Dick Tracy – at the Daphne Odjig is one of infl uences, Odjig’s work is defi ned (McClelland & Stewart) strings local drugstore. Later Canada’s most celebrated Aboriginal by curving contours, strong a recollection of boyhood he graduated to reading painters and printmakers. Born on outlining, overlapping shapes and adventures and fantasies of a classic novels from the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian an unsurpassed sense of colour. young James Bartleman in his local library and a whole Reserve, of Pottawatomi and English Her work has addressed issues of hometown of Port Carling in new world opened up. heritage, she fi rst learned about art- colonization, the displacement of the heart of Muskoka cottage His insatiable thirst making from her grandfather, Jonas Aboriginal peoples, and the status country. Born to a Chippewa for reading led him to Odjig, a tombstone carver who of Aboriginal women and children, mother and a Scottish father, the notable authors like taught her to draw and paint. She bringing Aboriginal political issues young boy who is referred to as John Steinbeck and the shlock of later moved to British Columbia. to the forefront of contemporary art “Jimmy” transports the reader to Harlequin Romances. Odjig’s style, which underwent practices and theory. life in the 1920’s and 1930’s in the Raisin Wine: A Boyhood in a several developments and This year’s winners each received heart of Ontario tourist country Different Muskoka is a memoir adaptations from decade to decade, $25,000. with its rich summer cottages, set in another time and place of coal oil lamps, outhouses and his a boy from 7 and 13 years of entrepreneurial spirit. age, with an epilogue up to the Filled with reminisces of present day: “His life would turn the old days, old ways and of out to be just as exciting as those Hollywood rural life, it is written in the he had read about in the comic third person with anonymous books he devoured as a boy, and calling characters. The narrative style even more wonderful than the lends itself to taking the reader magical world he had glimpsed TORONTO (CP) – Tamara to relate to their own childhood in his youthful and overactive Podemski’s phone has not stopped experiences and dreams “in daydreaming.” ringing with calls from Hollywood another world and life…” And, Lieutenant-Governor James studios and casting agents since she indeed it does. Bartleman is donating all his book royalties to help pay for unexpectedly walked away with a Living in a rundown two-storey house without shipping costs of books to Northern Ontario Anishnabek prestigious acting prize at January’s Tamara Podemski electricity and the hardships of an under-privileged communities for use at the summer literacy camps he Sundance Film Festival. upbringing, Bartleman – whose fi ve-year term as Ontario’s conceived and championed. “It came out of nowhere, so it was performance has caught the attention vice-regal expired this June – offers readers descriptive His Honour is also the prize-winning author of a total shock, and I am still sort of of Hollywood power brokers, and the antidotes sprinkled with humour and historical facts. He Out of Muskoka (2002), On Six Continents (2004) and riding this roller-coaster,’’ Podemski, lifelong Torontonian – who’s also an writes about his visits to the Indian Camp of his mother’s Rollercoaster (2005). 29, saysfrom her Toronto home. accomplished musician and dancer Podemski plays a troubled – is heeding their calls to move to native American in the indie fi lm Tinseltown. Four Sheets to the Wind, about an “NBC Universal were the most aboriginal family in small-town adamant of the people I’ve talked to, Oklahoma. to just get me down there and get me The Sundance jury honoured in some meetings as soon as possible. Podemski for her “fully realized So I’m going ... but moving to L.A. is physical and emotional turn’’ as Miri, most defi nitely happening as well.’’ a woman whose carefree lifestyle Podemski, was named best brings her to the brink of tragedy. female artist and best songwriter at Even though the fi lm has yet last fall’s Canadian Aboriginal Music to fi nd a distributor, Podemski’s Awards. Indigenous Theatre Cheechoo sees stars 6” x 6” SUDBURY (CP) – After years of cinematic slogging in relative obscurity (but with much critical acclaim), Shirley Cheechoo has bridged the professional divide between Canada and the United States. The director of Johnny Tootall, Pikutiskwauu/Mother Earth and Shirley Cheechoo Tracks in the Snow, Cheechoo – a James Bay Cree who makes her and the fi lm’s producers/scriptwriters home in M’Chigeeng First Nation were in Sudbury to hold auditions for on Manitoulin Island – now has the a number of roles in the picture. backing of Los Angeles production Cheechoo began directing fi lms companies for her next directing in 1998. She is a multiple award project. Moonrise Films and Superior winner, including being named the Inc. have several million dollars to Independent Filmmaker of the Year play with to make Superior, a story at the Arizona International Film of racial reconciliation set in a small Festival. northern American town. “The most challenging part for The fi lm will be shot near me will be that I have never worked Madison, Wisconsin and several with big stars,’’ she added. “There Hollywood stars are said to be are probably going to be big stars in considering the lead roles. Cheechoo this fi lm.’’ April 2007 Anishinabek News Page 9

Anishinabek Nation Political Office Grand Council Chief, John Beaucage Deputy Grand Chief, Nelson Toulouse Chief-of-Staff, Bob Goulais Executive Liaison Officer, Monica Lister Executive Secretary, Patricia Campeau UNION OF ONTARIO INDIANS Nipissing First Nation P.O. Box 711, North Bay ON P1B 8J8 Ph: 877-702-5200 Fx: 705-497-9135 E-mail: [email protected] NIIGAAN ZHAAMIN “Moving Forward, Together” Chiefs adopt historic fi rst law SAULT STE. MARIE –The Union of Ontario Indians debated and approved in principle the fi rst modern Anishinabek Nation Law respecting Matrimonial Real Property. “In lieu of participating in the Government of Canada’s consultation process and legislative initiative regarding matrimonial real property, our Chiefs opted to develop our own process and our own Anishinabek A comprehensive 40-day consultation process culminated in the passage of the fi rst modern-day Anishinabek Nation law, one dealing with the issue Nation Law,” said Grand Council Chief of Matrimonial Real Property. Celebrating the passage of a template for the proposed law by Anishinabek Nation member communities – who will be John Beaucage. asked to ratify the fi nalized document in June – are Murray Maracle Jr., Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, Jenny Restoule-Malozzi, Deputy Grand The Law was approved-in-principle Chief Glen Hare, and Murray Maracle Sr. – Photo by Maurice Switzer at a one-day Special Chiefs Assembly on Matrimonial Real Property (MRP) and fi nal ratifi cation will take place at the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Women’s water commission to offer advice Assembly scheduled for June 25-28, SAULT STE. MARIE – Grand precious resource,” added Beaucage. from Wikwemikong Unceded as founding Commissioners. Both 2007 in Alderville First Nation. Council Chief John Beaucage The Anishinabek Women’s Water Nation will serve as founding Chief women are traditional teachers whose For the previous 40 days, Union of launched an Anishinabek Nation Commission will advise the Union Commissioner of the Anishinabek extensive aboriginal traditional Ontario Indians leaders and staff had Building Conference by pledging of Ontario Indians on all aspects Women’s Water Commission. knowledge focuses on the water and conducted nine separate consultation to do more to contribute to the related to the management of the “Water is a great uniter and I women’s role as caretakers on the sessions across the Anishinabek Nation well-being of the environment and Great Lakes. Grand Council Chief know that this historic step will begin water. that engaged members of the 42 member particular to the Great Lakes water. Beaucage and Minister of Natural to unite all nations because we all “My commitment as Anishinabe- communities and obtained feedback He appointed an Anishinabek Resoruces David Ramsay signed a co- share an equal concern: the water’s Kwe (native woman) to ensuring the and principles to be incorporated into Women’s Water Commission to advise management agreement on March 27 future,” said Josephine Mandamin. sustainability for life for our future the Anishinabek Nation Law. the Union of Ontario Indians on water to ensure First Nation participation in “Hearing Mother Earth cry about generations guides much of my life,” “The principles contained in the and Great Lakes management issues. all decision-making that will impact how ill she is and how she is having said Mary Deleary. “Our ‘Sacred Anishinabek Nation law will have “Our work with regard to the water the Great Lakes basin. a hard time feeding her children is a Water’ is the very essence of what come from our engagement and and Great Lakes co-management will More importantly, the newly reminder to us all that our women feel will continue to sustain our life.” consultation with our leadership and not focus only on policy and science,” created Commission will play the same way too. We must unite in “During my lifetime, I have citizens. In the end, it will be up to each he said. “Through our Women’s Water a leadership role in raising the this monumental task.” seen the extreme changes that have Anishinabek First Nation to subscribe Commission, the beliefs that water is awareness of Great Lakes water and Mandamin established the occurred regarding the sustainability to these principles that unite us, by living and spoken for by our women impacts to its quality and quantity. Mother Earth Water Walk, leading of one of our most precious resources, enacting regulations at their respective will now be refl ected in Ontario’s The Women’s Water Commission will walks around Lake Superior, Lake Mide-waboo,” said April Jones. “I Councils,” said Grand Council Chief management regime.” also share their tremendous traditional Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake continue to learn and to help in any Beaucage. “We need to ensure that First knowledge and teachings about water Ontario. Her group will begin way that I can regarding the protection According to the draft Anishinabek Nations, especially our women, as they undertake their work across walking around Lake Erie April 27. of the water, because it is evident that Nation Law, member First Nations maintain their role as stewards of the the Anishinabek Nation. Mary Deleary of Muncey and the very future of our children and all will have one year to pass community water and give a voice for our most Josephine Mandamin, an Elder April Jones of London will also serve of creation is dependent upon it.” regulations, based on the framework provided for in the Anishinabek Nation Law. First Nations will have various options they can customize depending on their specifi c land tenure circumstances such as certifi cate of possession, custom allotment, First Nations Land Management Act, etc. They will also have the authority to customize components of their regulations according to the needs and wishes of their particular First Nations. Last year, the Government of Canada announced their intention to introduce legislation to address the issue of matrimonial real property on- reserve, in particular a solution that will protect families, equity and fairness upon the dissolution of marriage. The Chiefs of the Anishinabek Nation opted for their own Anishinabek Nation Law rather than being subject to federal legislation and provincial jurisdiction on these matters. The Anishinabek Nation incorporated the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI) as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 42-member First Nations across Ontario . The Union of Ontario Indians Grand Council Chief John Beaucage welcomes charter members of the fi rst Anishinabek Women’s Water Commission to advise the 42-member is the oldest political organization in nation on water and Great Lakes Management issues. Commission members are Mary Deleary, Muncey, Josephine Mandamin,Wikwemikong Ontario and can trace its roots back to Unceded Indian Reserve, and April Jones, London. – Photo by Maurice Switzer the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact. Page 10 Anishinabek News April 2007 Restoration of Jurisdiction Special education needs focus for new committee By Dave Shawana veloped position on the amount tri-partite agreement on First Na- Members from the Education of funding that will be required by tions education. Working Group will form a Spe- the AES to meet the special edu- Addressing special education cial Education Committee to de- cation needs of its students. is just one of the activities the termine ways and means to meet The committee will complete EWG as a whole will undertake the special education needs of a comprehensive review of the in the new fi scal year. students in the proposed Anishi- Anishinabek Nation’s special Other activities will include nabek Education System (AES). education issues, Indian Affairs’ the development of education This developmental work will Band Operated Funding Formu- laws for the AES, including en- determine how special education las (BOFF), the new Ontario First forcement and adjudication of the will be handled in the AES: how Nation, Metis, Inuit Education new laws and appeals and redress As follow-up to the Education Working Group meeting in Sault Ste. Marie the First Nations will collectively Policy Framework, the Assembly mechanisms; and student assess- (February) – Elizabeth Bigwin and Bryon Brisard (Education Offi cers make decisions and what funding of First Nations’ (AFN) special ments. for the Aboriginal Education Offi ce, MOE) were in attendance to make formulas will be used to deter- education policy, the Chiefs of The education working group a presentation on how special education is funded in the province, and mine funding amounts. Ontario “Education Manifesto,” will also assist in the ratifi cation how on-reserve First Nation students attending publicly-funded schools In addition to building capaci- and other provincial special edu- process, providing assistance with are funded, and the relationship to the Ontario First Nations, Metis-Inuit ty for operating the AES, the fi nd- cation policies, such as that in the on-going communications and Education Policy Framework. Liz identifi ed future regional presentations ings of the committee will also British Columbia where First Na- consultation sessions with First by the MOE and INAC were being scheduled for FNs to attend, in order assist Anishinabek Nation negoti- tions, the provincial government Nations about the AES and the to hear about the proposed policy framework and special education for ators to establish a clear, well-de- and Indian Affairs have entered a Final Agreement on Education. FN students in the province. Why is it important to have a First Nation constitution? Restorationestoration First Nation Constitution Development Committees from seven First Nations attended an intensive 3-day constitution-writing workshop in Whitefi sh Lake March 19-22. A member of each committee was asked why ofof Jurisdictionurisdiction they believed a First Nation constitution is important. This is what they had to say:

Our constitution will make us A First Nation constitution will ensure that stronger and more unifi ed. effective and accountable governance When we implement our structures are in place to meet the current and constitution we will be future needs of the people, while providing a working as a community. Our strong sense of hope, pride, ownership and constitution is important – it is personal responsibility for individuals within about ownership, protection, the community. transparency, unity, strength Art Fisher and harmony. Ojibways of Pic River Mildred Young Whitefi sh Lake

Our primary motivation is the well-being of our lands, Laws adopted by our A First Nation constitution lays a foundation resources and citizens. Anishinabe People are very for developing our own jurisdictions, maintains However, the decisions and laws important for today and balance and sets out the right to rule and of Canada have given us grave the future. These laws will make laws to govern ourselves. It promotes concerns. Canada volunteered support our community. A a unifi ed connection to our unique traditions itself to act as the trustee for constitution is a guideline and cultural practices and empowers us and certain land. These violations for our people to follow and benefi ts our children to become healthier compel us to unilaterally act to to know and understand leaders and allows “the silent” to speak up protect the legal status of our our rights as First Nation and protect us. lands, resources and citizens. people. Chief Leonard Genereux Peter Jones Joseph Legarde Sheshegwaning Ketegaun Sebee Long Lake 58 Ahnishnahbek

Our constitution is a declaration of our A First Nation sovereign authority and jurisdiction as a constitution is nation. Our First Nation will ensure that our important for good What do you Aboriginal and Treaty rights, authority, and government so that jurisdiction within our lands is protected for Chief and Council have to say? future generations and that our governing are not all over the structures, system, and laws are based place and they make Please send us your responses by on Anishinabe teachings, language and decisions that are Email to resmik@anishinabek. traditions. We will ensure protection of all of sound and fair to ca or Fax us your comments to our lands, so as to build a strong, accountable, everyone. 705-497-9135. and sustaining community for the future. Cindy Behm Bonnie Bressette Aundeck Omni – Photos by Mary Laronde Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point Kaning ? April 2007 Anishinabek News Page 11 Restoration of Jurisdiction Six steps to a draft constitution Designed as a means of assist- members came to understand ing the constitution committees that they, as First Nation mem- to write their draft constitu- bers, knew what should be re- tions, the constitution develop- corded in the constitution. As ment work shops followed a they came to understand the six-step process: developing a concepts of good governance vision statement; reviewing a through the workshop presen- checklist of necessary compo- tations, the drafting was actu- nents for a constitution; hold- ally very easy for them. Once ing plenary discussions on the the committee started drafting, meanings and the rationale the constitutions just seemed to for the components; engaging fl ow,” said O’Donnell. in separate committee discus- Fred Bellefeuille said that sions; reviewing sample ratifi - the relationship of First Nation cation processes; and develop- laws to the laws of Canada and ing a work plan for next steps. Ontario was one of the more Members of the Constitution Development Committee from Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve discuss Held in Rama Mnjikaning diffi cult areas tackled but it was their First Nation’s draft, written constitution at the work shop held in Batchewana First Nation, March 5-8. In First Nation, Batchewana First explained that the Restoration the background, Michipicoten’s delegation is also hard at work. Nation and Whitefi sh Lake of Jurisdiction negotiations are Photo by Mike Restoule First Nation, the work shops about achieving cooperation were coordinated and orga- among the three orders of gov- nized by Mike Restoule, Spe- ernment. “In general terms, a Workshops produce 17 draft cial Projects Coordinator, and constitution is the supreme law facilitated by Tracey O’Donnell to which everything else – laws, and Fred Bellefeuille, both by-laws, regulations, guidelines lawyers and legal counsels at and policies - has to comply,” the education and governance Bellefeuille said. “What laws First Nation Constitutions tables, respectively. apply where and when will be “With two lawyers pre- negotiated and will be set out in By Mary Laronde dinated by Mike Restoule, Special governance, regardless of whether senting at the workshop, the the fi nal agreements.” Three intensive workshops have Projects Coordinator, to ramp-up the First Nation signs a self-gov- First Nation committees had a To end the work shops, were produced exceptional results for the writing of draft constitutions ernment agreement,” O’Donnell chance to present and discuss led through a discussion on the First Nation constitution develop- for First Nations involved in the explained. their legal issues with lawyers. importance of community con- ment. Before the work shops, only Anishinabek Nation’s constitution Even without the added incen- The workshop participants, sultation, best practices to gain eight First Nations had completed development project. “This was a tive contained in the agreements, as well as the facilitators and community input, and, fi nally, draft constitutions. Now, 17 First big learning experience for all of establishing written First Nation UOI staff, all felt good at the ratifi cation processes for First Nations have completed fi rst drafts us – facilitators, participants and constitutions had been endorsed end of the workshops know- Nation constitutions. Finally, for their citizens to examine and technical staff – and it was a huge by the Grand Council Assembly ing that the initial workshop the committees developed work discuss. success,” said Restoule, as he tab- of the Anishinabek Nation in 2001 objectives had been met,” said plans outlining the next steps Tracey O’Donnell, a lawyer ulated work shop evaluations. after community consultations O’Donnell. that must to undertaken to so- and facilitator at the work shops With negotiations on the edu- showed that First Nation citizens A visioning exercise helped licit community input and sup- said that she thought the work cation fi nal agreement down to generally supported the concept of the committees understand port for the draft and to even- shops were successful. “Each of the nitty-gritty of dollars and constitutional governments for the why a preamble was useful and tually ratify their First Nation the First Nations had a chance to cents, and the governance agree- Anishinabek Nation and individu- what purpose it would serve constitution. constitution. review their draft constitutions ment now starting talks on a fi nal al First Nation communities. in the constitution. A checklist The First Nations represent- and discuss the various elements agreement, getting First Nation The support for written consti- of the governance jurisdic- ed at the fi rst workshop in Mn- of the constitution. This allowed constitutions established is a pri- tutions had been bouyed by stud- tions, duties, and undertak- jikaning were Alderville, Rama the workshop participants to learn ority, in the context of the agree- ies showing that American Tribes ings necessary for First Nation Mnjikaning, Curve Lake, from one another. At the end of the ments. First Nations wishing to with written constitutions fared governments to be self-govern- Georgina Island, Nipissing workshop, each First Nation who participate in the fi nal agreements better than those without. When ing was presented by Tracey and Red Rock. In the second did not have a draft, or had only a on education and governance are the rules were written and adminis- O’Donnell. This checklist led workshop at Batchewana First partial draft at the start of the work- required to establish a written tered consistently, the Tribes were the participants through their Nation, Constitution Develop- shop, left with a hard copy and an community constitution (draft Fi- able to create and sustain econom- understanding and drafting ment Committees from Dokis, electronic copy of their complete, nal Agreement on Education, Part ic development. Studies claim the the necessary articles of their Wikwemikong, Wasauksing fi rst draft constitution.” 10 and Agreeemnt-in-Principle on main reason is that, through their community constitutions. and Michipicoten attended. Participants agree. Most gave Governance, Part 5). own constitutions, they practiced “Some of the committee The last of the series was held the work shop an excellent rating, “The constitutions that were “de facto sovereignty,” making de- members came in thinking that in Whitefi sh Lake First Nation commenting that taking home a developed during the workshops cision for themselves and creating drafting a constitution was go- with Garden River, Long Lake fi nished product and having law- exceed the requirements set out stable institutions of government ing to be hard work. It would #58, Sheshegwaning, Kettle yers facilitating was not only in- in the draft education fi nal agree- and policies. Tribes who continued be diffi cult for the committee and Stony Point, Whitefi sh formative but invaluable to the ment. The constitutions that were to rely on the U.S. Bureau of In- to do. Through the course of Lake, Pic River and Aundeck progress made. developed will provide each com- dian Affairs to make decisions for the workshop, the committee Omni Kaning taking part. The workshop series was coor- munity with the basis of good themselves consistently failed. Workshops not all work Throwing and catching an orange at the same time is not as easy as it sounds. Just ask these participants at the recent constitution develop- ment work shop held in Batchewana First Nation. The work shops were very intensive but there was also time set aside for play and laughter. The work shops produced great results with all committees leaving with at least a fi rst draft constitution for their First Nation to discuss. The series of workshops were organized by Mike Restoule, Special Projects Coordinator, and facilitated by Tracey O’Donnell and Fred Bellefeuille, legal counsels at the education and governance negotiation tables, re- spectively. Page 12 Anishinabek News April 2007 Nishnaabewin

Baamaa Shkonwezyaang When we suddenly realize

ANISHINAABEMOWIN BY SHIRLEY WILLIAMS

Ngoding giiwenh, nshiimenyag aapji wii-paa damnowag. Aapji ko gii- jaanmizwag ngoji wii-paa damnowaad. Nii’ying dash aapji wii-zhaawag, nsayenh ko gaa-daawaad, binoojiinyag oodi gii-baatiinwag. Mii dash oodi waa nji-damnowaad. Once, my sisters wanted to go and play. They were anxious to go somewhere Stretching a smoked moose hide with Chastity Stamp from Goodfi sh Lake First Nation to go and play. They wanted to go very much, where my brother used to live, – Photos by Ryan Hlewka There were lots of children there. That is where they wanted to go and play. Mii dash gii-kwejmaa’aad ngashbaniin,oodi wii-oo-damnowaad. Aab- dig wii-kwediwewaad jibwaa maajaawaad ngoji wii-zhaa’aad. Mii dash Artisan travelled west to Alberta ngashi gii-naad, “Wiiba go ka bi-giiwem, gaawiin go baamaa pii shkon- wezyeg.” Then they asked my late mother if they could go and play over there. They have to ask fi rst before they could go anywhere. This is what my late mother for lessons in Anishinabe crafts said to them: “You come home early, not when you suddenly become aware By Denise Desormeaux highlight of her learning to date. (that it is late.)” LAC LA BICHE, ALTA – Gifted “We’ve been taught the Oo! Gbe-giizhig giiwenh oodi gii-onji-damnowag. Gi-maapii giiwenh, Artisan Luana McQuabbie has Northern Woods Cree method nsayenh gii-gwejmaan maaminininmaad go naa geyaabi zhiwe bmi-yaa- nid kwezensan. Gii-niizaanendam wii-ni-dibaakshinwaad. Mii zhaa zhi travelled across Canada to learn (tanning and smoking the hides ni-dibikaaminaagok, geyaabi dash gonda mi damnowaad gojing. Mii dash about age-old Anishinabe arts and without chemicals, using punk iidig gii-kwejmaad, “Aaniish naa pii waa-ni- giiweyek? crafts traditions. spruce for smoking, and the brains Oh! They play all day when they went to play. Anyway, my brother became Returning to her home for softening the hide). The entire aware that the girls were still around playing. He got concerned that darkness community of Henvey Inlet, process takes three weeks for a was upon them. It was dark already, and they were still there playing around McQuabbie spoke about the fi nished product. Elsie Quintal, outside. Then he asked them, “When are you going home?” journey she travelled in pursuit of a Metis Elder from Square Lake Mii dash bezhig wa nshiimenh, Barbara zhinkaazo, mii geye baabige her dreams. Settlement, Alberta, taught me gii-nkwetawaad. “Oo! Baamaa shkonwezyaang sa go naa gonimaa!” Mii “I think about how far I had how to tan hides. She really liked dash aabdig gaa-zhi-giiwesemaad kwezensan gaa-dibaakshingjig miin- to drive – a six-day trip traveling me working on her hides because waa gaa-shkoneswezjig. at 70 kilometres an hour with my Luanna McQuabbie with baby I was very careful and never tore One of my younger sisters, Barbara is her name, she spoke out very quick- two younger children – Ally (5) and quilt and pillow. the hides. I look at Elsie who is ly. “Oh!, When we suddenly realize it – maybe!” Then it happened that he had Stewart (9) – and a trailer hooked 91 years and wow! I hope I can do to walk the girls home. on. It was a scary at times. It took as her repertoire of artistic skills what she does at 91 and still be a Gii-ni-nkweshkaanaawaa dbikad miinwaa gii-shkaneweswag iw sa great sacrifi ce for me to come here has increased. “Our learning teacher. She’s been a great mentor gii-ni-dbikakbane. Gii-zhese wii-nigiiwe’aad. Zaam wii-kaa gini-giiwe- because I had to leave my family, includes hide tanning, carving to me and to all of us and we just wag, gii-dbaakishinoog. Da-saayenmowaan gii-gwaashimon. Jibwaa gchi- friends, home, and community.” (soapstone and wood), beadwork love her. She’s welcomed us to kiikimindwaa pii go ni giiwewaad. He ni-wiindimaage gaakidwaapa! A graduate of the Native design, decorative arts (porcupine her home and property where she’s They met darkness and suddenly became aware that it was dark. It was Artisans Program at Portage quillwork, horsehair wrapping, taught us.” time to go home. They were late in going home for the evening but their brother College, McQuabbie was the moose and caribou hair tufting), Balancing motherhood and saved them from getting a lecture when they got home by telling what they fi sh scale art, sewing (quilt- said. 2005-2006 recipient of the being a student, McQuabbie has Academic Achievement Award making), Native footwear design, endured some sleepless nights in Mii eko sing-daajimowaans! nature crafts (with birch bark, red This is the end of the little story! in the Advanced Native Cultural pursuing her dream. Arts Program, and is currently willow, and roots, along with corn “While I’ve been out here my completing the Native Cultural husk doll making), and fi ne arts oldest daughter has experienced Arts Instructor Program. design (painting, clay, ceramics, serious health problems and I’ve Toulouse launches McQuabbie, 39, whose parents and pastels),” she says. “Working questioned whether or not to are Muriel King, Wasauksing FN, with natural materials gives me a continue on with my schooling, or and Kenneth McQuabbie (Henvey feel of the past and of our ancestors go back to Ontario to be with her,” language commission Inlet and French River), brought that once lived in a time where that she says. “After spending time the beadwork skills taught her by was what they had to work with.” out here in this program, I know SAGAMOK FN – Chief developing a fi ve-year strategic plan her mother to the Alberta program. McQuabbie says moose and in my heart I’ve made the right Commissioner Nelson Toulouse designed to enlist provincial and Her creative talents have fl ourished deer hide tanning have been the decision.” has declared the offi cial launch of federal governments, as well as the the Anishinaabek Mushkegowuk private sector, in the preservation, Onkwehonwe Language promotion, maintenance Commission of Oniatari’: and revitalization of io. the three First Nation Toulouse, a long- language families in time chief of Sagamok Ontario. Anishnawbek First The commission’s Nation and former logo represents the Deputy Grand Chief of theAnishinabek three language families, with 13 Nation, says AMO’s goal is “to ensure fi gures in a half circle representing that our fi rst civilization’s languages the thirteen languages in Ontario. are foremost in the minds, hearts and The wampum belt along the bottom actions of people and leadership, represented the historic Friendship by promoting and supporting the Treaty between the Onkwehonwe and Danielle Jones, a 2nd-year acquisition, maintenance, and the Anishinaabek. Free admission to all Aboriginal Native Education student at Malakhy ‘Little Pine’ Shab- revitalization of Anishinawbemowin, For more information contact, visitors is now being offered by Georgian Community College ogesic, 14, demonstrates the Mushkegomowin, and Onkwehon- chief commissioner Nelson the Museum of Civilisation in Hull, in Barrie, demonstrates her grass dance during the March wehneha to confi rm their place in the Toulouse, 705-869-8722 (cell) or where the exhibit Masters of the fancy shawl dance style during 2-3 Family Traditional Teachings world.” Sanctioned by an All-Ontario 705-865-2432 (home), by e-mail at Plains: Ancient Nomads of Russia the college’s second annual and Gathering at Nipissing First Chiefs Resolution in 2006, the new [email protected], or by and Canada will be on display until traditional pow-wow March 10. Nation in Gtigaaning (Garden language commission is comprised letter at P.O. Box 22013, Brantford, September. – Photo by Art Sapsworth Village).– Photo by Alice McLeod of twelve commissioners who are ON, N3S 7V1. April 2007 Anishinabek News Page 13 Intergovernmental Affairs Forest Commission link to leadership By Nadine Roach The Anishinabek Forest Commission, composed of duly elected Chiefs and technicians of the Union of Ontario Indians and Anishi- nabek communities, has been appointed and mandated by Resolution 28/06 to oversee the Forest Framework Development Process. The Anishinabek Forest Commission will constitute the offi cial Anishinabek Nation body receiving and disseminating information and serving as the link between Anishinabek communities and the political process. A letter of intent was signed by Grand Council Chief John Beau- cage and Minister of Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay on On March 27 Ontario Minister of Natural Resources David Ramsay and John Beaucage, Grand Council Chief July 7, 2006, agreeing to continue discussions regarding a forest of the Anishinabek Nation, signed three memoranda of agreement signifying increased cooperation in issues framework agreement, the intent of which is to provide Anishinabek pertaining to natural resource management. communities with a greater share in economic opportunities and ben- -- Photo by Jason Laronde efi ts. Preparation for the Forest Framework Development Process in- cludes the drafting of a multi-year work plan, beginning with goals, Anishinabek, Ontario agree principles and objective statements that will set the parameters and establish the rules of engagement for the Forest Framework Develop- ment Process. to co-management of lakes Anishinabek Forest Commission members Chief Wilfred King, Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, TORONTO – Anishinabek Nation “I am pleased to join Grand through the Union of Ontario Indi- Chief Chief Pierre Pelletier, Lake Helen First Nation, leaders and Ontario’s Ministry of Council Chief Beaucage in signing ans retaining a technical advisor, as Chief Paul Gladu, Bingwi Neyasshi, Natural Resources have signed three the memorandum on Great Lakes well as other measures. Commissioner at large, Roy Michano, Ojibways of Pic River memoranda of understanding that Basin waters, which will help build Ontario is committing $300,000 Commissioner at large, Art Jacko, Wikwemikong Unceded Indian will help strengthen cooperation and our relationship with the Anishinabek over three years to this effort. Reserve collaboration on issues related to Nation,” said Ramsay. “By working Ontario and the Anishinabek Na- Commission at large, Harry Bombay, Consultant/Advisor natural resource management. together cooperatively, we can move tion also signed a memorandum of Nadine Roach, UOI Forest Unit Coordinator. A Memorandum of Understand- forward, seeking mutually agreeable understanding committing to a “col- ing on the implementation of the solutions on our common priority of laborative approach” that would re- Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River protecting and conserving the waters vitalize the Anishinabek/Ontario Re- Basin Sustainable Water Resources of the Great Lakes Basin.” source Management Council process Agreement was signed March 27 by The memorandum of under- that was established seven years ago. Minister of Natural Resources David standing related to the Great Lakes Continuing the work of the council Ramsay, and Grand Council Chief commits Ontario and the Anishina- will help foster a positive working John Beaucage on behalf of 42 An- bek Nation to: relationship and ensure greater coor- ishinabek Nation communities. - Hold an annual meeting be- dination on issues related to natural “Our First Nations are dedicated tween the Anishinabek Grand Coun- resource management. to the principles of co-management,” cil Chief and the Minister of Natural In addition, an agreement was said Grand Council Chief Beaucage. Resources signed establishing a protocol on “We acknowledge Ontario’s jurisdic- - Establish a joint Great Lakes the transfer of Eagle remains to An- tion in managing the Great Lakes on Charter Annex Agreement Imple- ishinabek First Nations. The Eagle behalf of their citizens, while we will mentation Committee, and is of particular social, cultural and be asserting traditional management - Help build Anishinabek Na- religious importance to Aboriginal principles on behalf of our citizens.” tion advisory and technical capacity people. NISHINABEK OUTH NGAGEMENT ORKSHOPS A Y E W Back Row, from left: Roy Michano – Ojibways of Pic River, Wilfred “Laying the Foundation for Anishinabek Youth to engage in Natural King - Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, Art Jacko - Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, Paul Gladu - Bingwi Neyasshi, Edward Resources through land base learning” Wawia alternate for Chief Pierre Pelletier; Front row: Harry Bombay An interactive workshop intended to connect the Anishinabek Youth to build long-term capacity in sustainable – National Aboriginal Forestry Association, Nadine Roach - Union of resource management within the Anishinabek Nation. Ontario Indians Forestry Unit. – Are you interested in natural resources, biology, or environmental sciences? – Are you between 14-17 years of age? – Are you interested in becoming a Junior Ranger, or a Stewardship Ambassador? ia staff If you have answered “yes” to these questions, then this workshop is for you! A Registration / Consent form will be available online, or it can be directly mailed to you. The form must be Allan Dokis Alicia McLeod Intergovernmental Affairs Treaty Research Coordinator filled and submitted by April 13, 2007, by email or by fax. Director Melissa Stevens Register Early Spaces are Limited Jason Laronde Treaty Research Clerk Resource Management Kerry Colnar Two Sessions Council Coordinator Operations Support April 27 - 29, 2007 (21 spaces) Nadine Roach Rhonda Gagnon May 4 - 6, 2007 (21 spaces) Forestry Coordinator Anishinabek Community Barb Naveau Stewardship Leader Canadian Ecology Center in Mattawa Forestry Offi ce Assistant Highlights: Environmental Education, Natural Resource Technology Applications, Outdoor skill and Activities, & Cultural Instruction website of the month Look for updates on online at www.anishinabek.ca www.gca.ca CONTACT: GCC is a national network of community- Rhonda Gagnon, Community Stewardship Leader, Lands and Resources Program based non-profi t organizations that deliver innovative environmental programs and PH: 705-497-9127 ~ FAX: 705-497-9135 services, with a focus on household and EMAIL: [email protected] community action. Page 14 Anishinabek News April 2007 Animal people Anishinabek By Richard Wagamese Book review

I’ve always been an animal guy. Judge ruled ‘discovery’ brought title From my earliest recollections animals have always been important. By Dan Shaule away and any secret agreement Marshall, a Revolutionary War occupied by Even though I never had a pet when A secret has been buried with them. veteran and former Virginia Indians.” I was small I was always drawn to the dogs and cats in whatever understanding To my astonishment Lindsay legislator who served as President In this neighborhood I lived in. between two or Robertson confi dently uses the John Adams secretary of state, was decision the Back then I never had the benefi t more people to word “collusion” a number of also a well-known land speculator “discovery” of animal stories as told by our gain something times in his book to answer and a committed Federalist. nation traditional teachers. I never knew as illegally, in the question, “What legal right According to Marshall, overnight a kid that Ojibway people referred a word is did Europeans acquire – and discovery resulted in the transfer became Dan Shaule to four-legged creatures as Animal collusion. Indigenous people lose – by virtue of fee ownership of discovered owners of People. It wouldn’t have struck me Collusion is easier to say but of the European “discovery” of lands to the discovering nation. the lands as odd. I think I’ve always regarded America?” Conquest by Law is a The British Crown had thus, by that had them I that way. much hard to prove in indigenous I was walking with my uncle historical research and academics culmination of events that result in “discovering” them, acquired title previously once. I’d been reconnected with my usually steer clear of saying the “Marshall decisions.” to the lands of the Indian Nations. belonged to Native Americans. tribal family for just a short time after collusion as they have no living The fi rst and prominent His legal opinion concluded Indigenous owners were converted twenty years of absence. Learning evidence to prove this fact Marshall decision was Johnson that “all the nations of Europe, into tenants on their own lands. what it meant to be Ojibway was, – despite how the evidence is v. M’Intosh, an 1823 court who have acquired territory on and is, a complex process, fi lled leaning that way. case which caused a “political this continent, have asserted in Dan Shaule is a citizen of Garden with surprises, shocks and sudden In Conquest by Law (Oxford catastrophe” for all indigenous themselves, and have recognized River First Nation who does land joys. That day on the land with my University Press; 212 pages; 2005) people of North America. in others, the exclusive right of the claims research for an aboriginal uncle was a joy. It had snowed the night before the people involved have passed Supreme Court Judge John discoverer to appropriate the lands legal fi rm based in Ontario. and there were a good couple of inches on the ground. Everywhere the detail of things was cut into Traditional teaching lodge piles up partnerships sharp relief by the blanket of white. It was like the land was magnifi ed By Cindy Crowe recently approved an application be a contributing partner at this Aboriginal organi-zations and vice somehow, heightened and seeing it THUNDER BAY – As organizers sponsored by the Long Lake #58 summer’s Dragonfl y Symposium. versa. that way was like seeing it for the of Waabi’ma’iingan (Grey Wolf) First Nation for $1,762 in funding Volunteer Thunder Bay is Waabi’-ma’iingan participated fi rst time. I was enthralled with Traditional Teaching Lodge to fi nalize the legal costs for the exploring some avenues with the in a March 21 breakfast hosted by everything. prepare for two major events in incorp-oration of the Teaching Teaching Lodge to have Aboriginal Diversity Thunder Bay and Cindy We came upon a set of tracks. Thunder Bay, they also continue to Lodge. Waabi’ma’iingan assisted and non-Aboriginal volunteers Crowe is becoming a Diversity I’d have dismissed them in my sense build strategic relationships with at the March Thunder Bay regional working together to promote member to support aboriginal of wonder at things but my uncle various organizations across the conference of the Canadian cultural awareness or to have non- representation on this committee. paused, looked around us casually region. The Community Arts and Cancer Society. The Society will Aboriginal volunteers working at Waabi’ma’iingan is receiving and asked no one in particular, “I Heritage Education Project will support from North of Superior wonder who passed here?” It seemed an odd question. They allow the Teaching Lodge to share Tourism Association, TBO.ca, were animal tracks yet he’d referred traditional and cultural teachings OntarioTravel.net, and the City of to them as though they belonged to with a possible 12 different Thunder Bay tourism websites to a person. So I asked him why. organizations. promote our upcoming event -- the He told me that Ojibway people The Métis Nation of four-day Spiritual Teaching Lodge hold animals in high regard. They Ontario continues to partner Ceremony on top of Mount McKay are spirit beings and serve as our with Waabi’ma’iingan and are starting April 28 and the Dragonfl y greatest teachers. When Creator currently exploring a Community Symposium at Chippewa Park on sent Man to live in this reality Intervention Program for Aboriginal July 10. he called the Animals forward Youth as well as partnering with the For more information visit and directed them to remain our teachers forever. What we know Oshkawbawas Grass Roots Youth Waabi-ma’iingan’s website: of ourselves as human beings, like Committee to provide assistance www.blueskyteachinglodge.ca, or our need for community and our with their planned activities. contact Norma Fawcett at (807) need to live in harmony with each The Greenstone Economic Elder Norma Fawcett promotes Teaching Lodge on Thunder Bay 887-2205 or Cindy Crowe (toll- other came to us from the Animal Development Committee has Television’s ‘Around Town’ with host Wendy Siltamaki . free) at 1-888-852-5856. People. As we walked he told me legends, traditional stories like how the dog came to be man’s greatest friend, why the wolverine is a loner and why the raven is black. Each of those stories was like a world and entering them I felt bigger, sketched Job Connect Serpent River out more fully, given more detail and I understood why he asked “who” instead of “what” when we passed tracks in the snow. 4 x 4.5 job posting We are all related. That’s what my people understood from the earliest times. At the core of us is 4 x 4.5 the creative energy of the universe. Every being, every form shares that kinetic, world building energy, and it makes us brothers, sisters, kin, family. Walking with my uncle that day, I came to the beginning of understanding that. I don’t hunt anymore. That’s one thing that changed since that day. Oh, I’d go out and bring home a deer or a moose if it meant survival but I can’t do it for the sport, for the joy of killing something or just because it’s the Native thing to do. People ask, “What kind of an Indian doesn’t hunt?” These days I smile and say, “the family kind.” April 2007 Anishinabek News Page 15

Aboriginal OntarioOpen for Business www.aboriginalontario.com A Special Report on Economic Development by and Garden River Truss Internet gets $280,000 boost banking GARDEN RIVER FN -- The Ontario government is providing a grant coming of $280,000 to Garden River Truss Company for the development of GARDEN RIVER FN – The a $3.2-million green fi eld home-component manufacturing facility on Anishinabek Nation Credit Union the Garden River Reserve near Sault Ste. Marie. is hoping to expand its customer The Aboriginal-owned facility, which produces value-added wood base by expanding its services to products and creates about 30 new jobs, is located on an old sawmill include internet banking. site located in the Garden River Industrial Park. The 41 persons attending the “The province’s support has helped make this manufacturing ANCU’s Feb. 27 annual general facility a reality, and we are seeing considerable benefi ts for our First meeting were treated to a sneak Nation,” said Garden River Chief Lyle Sayers. preview of the proposed new “We are grateful for the contribution from the Forest Sector service, which will allow account- Prosperity Fund in making it possible for us to proceed with this holders to check account balances, exciting initiative.” transfer funds, make loan payments Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay said the funding is an and pay bills via computer. investment by the province “in businesses that help Northern Ontario “Internet Banking has been a prosper and support Aboriginal development.” service that our members have been The Forest Sector Prosperity Fund is part of the provincial asking about for years and we are government’s $1-billion plan to help forest companies invest in their pleased to fi nally be able to offer own future and the future of the communities that depend on them. “We’ve had a very positive response to the Forest Sector Prosperity it,” said ANCU General Manager Fund and the Loan Guarantee Program by the forest industry,” said Allan Moffatt, who reported that Ramsay. “We expect that 100 per cent of the Prosperity Fund will be the fi scal year ending Oct. 31, 2006 committed to capital investments like this that support the industry in was the most fi nancially successful developing more value-added wood products.” in the credit union’s fi ve-year Other initiatives include: history. Providing a $22.5-million grant to Abitibi-Consolidated for an He said ANCU net income $84-million biomass boiler at its facility in Fort Frances surpassed $88,000, that the credit Providing a loan guarantee of $8 million to Tembec for a $19- union continues to grow annually at million value-added engineered wood products facility in Kirkland double digit rates, and has attained Lake self-sustainability. The focus will Providing a $1.65-million grant to Flakeboard Company Ltd. for a be on growing the deposit base, he $16.5-million capital investment to upgrade its Sault Ste. Marie mill told board members. Outstanding Providing a $1.39-million grant to Bowater Canadian Forest loans still exceed deposits on Products Inc. for a $13.9-million capital investment in the conversion hand. of a paper machine at its Thunder Bay complex Garden River Truss will employ 30 members of the First Nation. This message was echoed by comments from board chair Wilma Bissiallon, of Mississauga First Forum explores energy options Nation, who said the future success of the credit union is dependent By Christie A. Cooper “The goal of the forum was to System Plan (IPSP). The IPSP is upon membership placing long- MNJIKANING FN – First provide First Nations, government a 20-year plan being undertaken term deposits.” Nations continue to explore and the private sector an opportunity by the Ontario Power Authority to Members voted to add one emergency economic development to come together to network address the need to replace coal- new board position representing opportunities in the energy sector. and share information about the fi red energy generation and meet Over 90 participants attended a emerging opportunities in energy,” the growing needs of Ontario’s the Union of Ontario Indians. February Energy Forum hosted by said Chief Robert Corbiere of the population in the coming years. Margaret Belleau was re-elected the First Nations Energy Alliance Wikwemikong Unceded Indian The plan will include development as the board member from Garden at the Casino Rama Hotel. The Reserve. The forum also provided of renewable resources, including River First Nation. The “member- number included First Nation the opportunity to gauge interest wind, hydro, biomass and solar at-large” seat was fi lled by Adelene Chiefs, counselors and economic and support as well as to begin a power. Corbiere, from Batchewana First development personnel, as well as strategic planning process for the The organizers of the forum Nation. the Hon. Dwight Duncan, Ontario First Nations Energy Alliance. thanked Indian and Northern ANCU has served over 1,300 Minister of Energy and other Minister Duncan said renewable Affairs Canada and Hydro One members, granted loans in excess representatives from the energy energy is a key component of Networks Inc. for their generous of $5.6 million and has serviced industry. Ontario’s Integrated Power support of the event. Hon. Dwight Duncan deposits of $5.5 million.

MBS Min of Finance 10.25 x 3 Page 16 Anishinabek News April 2007 Debwed/Rights Mascot done dancing URBANA, Ill. (AP) – The University of Illinois has retired its 81-year- Never too young to fi ght racism old American Indian mascot, Chief Illiniwek, following the last men’s Windsor elementary school students Kiersten Barton and Summer home basketball game of the season Jamal created winning entries in a poster contest sponsored by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO – the United Nations Educational, on Feb. 21. Scientifi c, and Cultural Organization. The youngsters spoke to a March The NCAA in 2005 deemed the 29 forum in Windsor promoting the Coalition of Municipalities against buckskin-clad Illiniwek an offensive racism and Discrimination. use of American Indian imagery and barred the university from hosting post-season championship events. American Indian groups and others complained for years that the mascot, used since 1926, is demeaning. Supporters of the mascot say it honours the contributions of American Indians to Illinois. School offi cials said they received a letter from the NCAA that said the school will no longer be banned from hosting post-season Ontario Human Rights Chief events if it drops the mascot and Commissioner Barbara Hall gave related American Indian imagery. a keynote address at the March 29 The NCAA’s sanctions thus far Windsor forum on the Canadian have prevented Illinois from hosting Coalition of Municipalities against postseason events in two low-profi le Racism and Discrimination. To sports. Union of Ontario Indians date, 12 Canadian municipalities “The Chief Illiniwek tradition Chief Illiniwek”s last performance. communications director Maurice have joined the coalition, which inspired and thrilled members of the Switzer and Paul Petahtegoose, commits members to develop University of Illinois community accurate recounting and safekeeping American Indian imagery and representing Windsor’s Can- action plans to monitor and combat for 80 years,” board of trustees of the tradition as an integral part of barred the university from hosting Am Indian Friendship Centre, racism in their communities. The chairman Lawrence Eppley said. “It the history of the university.” The postseason events. participated in a March 29 forum former Toronto mayor will be was created, carried on and enjoyed NCAA in 2005 deemed Illiniwek – Athletic director Ron Guenther promoting the Canadian Coalition making a presentation about the by people with great respect for portrayed by buckskin-clad students said he was disappointed in the of Municipalities against Racism project at June’s annual meeting tradition, and we appreciate their who dance at home football and decision, but that the NCAA’s of the Federation of Canadian and Discrimination. dedication and commitment. It will basketball games and other athletic sanction hurt the school’s athletes – Photos by Ted Shaw Municipalities in Calgary. be important now to ensure the events – to be an offensive use of and coaches. Solomon shares smudge at Holocaust Week event By Cherie Dimaline is our responsibility to be the faith TORONTO – Few inside the keepers.” Winchevsky Community Centre Holocaust survivor Ben July 10, 2007 starting at 10:00 am had ever witnessed a traditional Cardinal spoke of his ordeals as a at Chippewa Park, Thunder Bay, ON smudging “hidden child” in Belgium. ceremony “My mother was killed in before they Auschwitz and my father was WAABI-MA'IINGAN (Grey Wolf formerly known as Blue Sky – Traditional attended a killed on the way to (another) Teaching Lodge) launching event will promote inter-cultural learning and Holocaust concentration camp. The last time conduct a dragonfly inventory. This field survey will provide integral data which Education I saw my parents I was fi ve years can aid in increasing our understanding of this magnificent creature and its role Week panel old.” within our bio-region. In addition, the symposium aims to promote alternative offering a Solomon connected the First ways of learning about and interacting with the natural world. Dialogue Nations experience to genocidal on Cultural catastrophe. “In our communities WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Renewal we still have the highest rate of Anne Solomon Children, youth, families, and, Elders; in other words, the young, and the young at after suicide, so our genocide is not heart! This will be inter-generational learning and fun for all ages! Genocide. fi nished. We have the highest rate Called Out of the Ashes, the event of diabetes, so genocide by disease began with an opening prayer by is not fi nished.” Anne Solomon, an Anishinabe She spoke a bit about the Ontario Lieutenant Governor James K. Bartleman Kwe from the Bear Clan, who Residential School phenomenon. performed a smudge, and told the “We also have in common having among distinguished invited guests. mainly Jewish audience that the our grandparents stolen from us.” evening was about “celebrating She explained that she has liberties”. Jewish ancestry through Ezekiel REGISTRATION “Our peoples have been Solomon, a German Jew who was FREE registration for all participants. affected so tremendously by having the fi rst of his community to settle Registration includes all bag lunches and a feast will be provided our liberties taken away.” in Canada, and presented Ben Shek Solomon explained the with a wooden feather inscribed For more information: www.blueskyteachinglodge.ca meanings of the smudge and with the word “Bravery”which will opening prayer, as well as be on display in the Winchevsky Or call Cindy Crowe toll free at 1-888-852-5856 or 807-473-9851 her personal background. “I Centre for the entire community to Presented by Waabi-ma'iingan (Grey Wolf) am Anishinabek, from one of enjoy. Traditional Teaching Lodge the nations in the Three Fires She concluded by telling the Confederacy. Another name that audience that “There is no way to Hosted by the Métis Nation of Ontario we go by is the Ojibway Nation. It peace. Peace is the way.” April 2007 Anishinabek News Page 17 Kinoomaagewin Education

N’Swakamok offers support systems, cultural context By Heather Campbell with 18 years’ experience. “We are no failure in this school. center provides creates a better major reason for the school’s SUDBURY – An alternative solving real life problems before Assinewe says the program’s learning environment for aboriginal success. Only two of the province’s school in the heart of downtown getting to the lesson.” holistic approach has a signifi cant students. “These students are eight alternative high schools Sudbury is one of ten learning Born and educated in Sudbury, impact on the success of students. often fl oundering in the regular are located outside of friendship centres highlighted in a national Angeloff’s fi rst teaching job “We believe that students don’t system, don’t feel like they belong, centres, and they are not as study identifying involved just learn from books; they need a not getting successful. schools producing working with wide array of sources and learning engaged,” she “It’s the extra tangible progress Native children experiences. I like the saying ‘bring says. “But once supports in the for aboriginal in the British history to life’. We use everyday in this school centre – family learners. Columbia experiences around us to make the they settle and support worker, Since Feb. interior. After learning experience.” feel better about Elders, community of 1990 the many years in the In addition to the basic high themselves.” -- which create a N’Swakamok mainstream high school curriculum students also Assinewe safe environment,” Alternative school system, learncoping skills, team- building, has many she says. Secondary School she joined the leadership and empowerment. stories of Students are has been housed N’Swakamok Students are expected to attend students who coming to school in Sudbury’s Alternative school for a minimum of 20 hours change their with drug and Native Friendship School six years each week, complete a minimum lives for the alcohol issues, Centre bearing ago. of two weekly lessons, participate better and physical abuse the same name, Education in weekly student meetings, change their and some are which translates N’Swakamok Alternative Support Worker complete two monthly journals, per-ception of Kelly-Lee Assinewe is an young mothers. in Ojibway as School students Emily Fleming Kelly-Lee and participate in school activities themselves. education support worker at Being able to “where the three and Lisa Plume. Assinewe, and fundraising. Some come out the N’Swakamok Alternative get assistance roads meet”. who has been The school also introduces of jail and opt School in downtown Sudbury. with these issues Geared for Aboriginal youth and working at the school for the past more culturally-relevant resource to change their enables students young adults who were unable to ten years, believes enrolment material into its curricula, for lives through to focus more succeed in mainstream schools, numbers don’t necessarily refl ect example, English students read education. She describes one attention on school work. In the N’Swakamok was identifi ed as the school’s success. books by aboriginal authors. student, in his 30’s, being released mainstream school system, where a success story by the Society “Success is not just graduating,” Current enrolment is 75, from jail and just hoping to get his many N’Swakamok students for Advancement of Excellence she says. “It can be having the and waiting times have been Grade 10. started high school, they faced in Education because of “its courage to come in the door, to signifi cantly reduced. Some Encouragement from rejection and isolation, racism, and highly individualized approach to attend every day, to complete one students hold down part-time N’Swakamok teachers helped him judgment. In this school there is no learning and ….its special support credit, to graduating with a high jobs, and can do school work realize he could achieve more. judgment. structures in a culturally-inclusive school diploma.” from home if family commitments Other students who achieve high “I see lots of growth in students, environment.” Students range in age from 15 make it challenging to come to the school and college diplomas – even not just education,” says Kelly- The society’s recently- to 60, alth-ough most are between friendship centre. university degrees – come back Lee Assiniwe. “They become released report “Sharing our 18 to their early 20’s. They come to Angeloff believes the support and talk to current students about more confi dent. To me, as their Success: More Case Studies in believe that education is important and safety that the friendship dreaming bigger and believing in teacher, that’s very rewarding. Aboriginal Schooling” attributes and achievable by yourself to achieve It’s inspiring to see our program N’Swakamok’s success – there have working with a goal. Assinewe motivate students to move on to been 157 graduates since 1991 – to teachers whose believes that do something different with their a combination of factors, including philosophy the friendship lives.” strong cultural connections, clearly- is that centre Emily Fleming, 19, is completing defi ned learning expectations, there location her Grade 12 diploma this June and a support system that offers is is a after three years at the school. She participants a range of services from enrolled at N’Swakamok a year pre-natal classes to an addictions after dropping out of mainstream program. high school at 15. A joint effort between the “I had to be at school for 9:30 friendship centre, the Rainbow every morning in the fi rst year, District School Board, and the which was hard,” she recalls, “ but provincial Ministry of Education, the reward was getting freedom and N’Swakamok operates with three fl exibility in the last two years.” full-time teachers and an aboriginal “I don’t think I would have counsellor. The ministry covers the graduated if I went to regular high costs of salaries for an Education school,” says Fleming, who is Support Worker and a Clerical enthusiastic about N’Swakamok’s Support Worker, the school board social environment -- weekly provides the salaries for the three student meetings that start with a teachers, and the friendship centre smudge, cooking lessons, trips, and provides the space and upkeep for visiting guest speakers. Graduating the program. students look forward to the annual “Every day you feel you’re trip to attend the Ottawa pow-wow making a difference,” says program Current enrolment at N’Swakamok Alternative Secondary School in downtown Sudbury stands at 75 – with a and visit museums in the nation’s leader Judy Angeloff, a teacher waiting list. capital.

ANCU pro-color ad put on front Native studies page 10.25 x 2 Page 18 Anishinabek News April 2007 Kinoomaagewin/Education Youth lobby for more culture in school curriculum By Heather Campbell entertainment for young people. their own communities and will have Flamand, Laurie Manitowabi, a relationship with city offi cials and SUDBURY – Urban Aboriginal They talked about how many of their the opportunity to pick up new ideas Dakota Recollet, Erika Gollan and believes this kind of leadership needs Youth Leading the Way, a group of peers are in youth detention centres, to bring back home with them,” said Theresa Manitowabi. Most youth in to happen in other communities. 12 young students, spent a lot of group homes or on the streets. To Restoule. the group are high school students. “This model, youth and mentors, time teaching during the month of change that reality they would be The Aboriginal Youth Leaders Capacity Development can make a difference; it can go March. willing to devote their time to raising include Michelle Manitowabi, Committee member Liz Yellowman, national,” she said. They staged a March 1st awareness of youth issues, talking Emily Flemming, Raven Plante, a councilor for Aamjiwnaang First Yellowman’s son, Arnold, 23, workshop called Youth Shout-Out about the environment or getting Brad Robinson, Mathew Wesley, Nation, was overwhelmed that the is a member of the Anishinabek for their Sudbury-area peers at a radio station focused on Native Jericho Pettifer, AJ Elliot, Shane Sudbury youth leaders have created Nation’s Youth Council. N’Swakomok Friendship Centre, urban life. a follow-up to last year’s forum Constables Grant Dokis and during which participants identifi ed Darryl Rivers shared a circle to two key areas on which to focus talk about policing, an issue most future activities – policing and youth participants could cite some education. This year’s agenda connection to through family or included discussions about policing friends. Dokis, who has been and racism, municipal visioning, policing for 22 years, shared his and developing a wilderness training experience of being called “apple” experience as part of the school -- red on the outside, white in the curriculum. middle – by his colleagues when Special guests included fi rst joining the force. Anishinabek Nation Deputy Grand On March 6-7 the Urban Chief Glen Hare, Friendship Center Aboriginal Youth Leading the president Barbara Stevens-Burns, Way group hosted the Anishinabek Social Planning Council Executive Nation’s workshop on Youth and Director Janet Gasparini, Constable Mentorship as part of a Capacity Grant Dokis and Constable Darryl Development initiative by the Union Rivers from the Greater Sudbury of Ontario Indians. Police, and motivational speaker “This process is part of our Sudbury Urban Aboriginal Youth team members Erika Gollan, AJ Elliot and Jericho Pettifer. Brian Slegers. Elders for the youth larger self-government initiative,” group are Cheryle Partridge and Ed says Terry Restoule, Dokis First Sackney. Nation, the Capacity Development Jesse Pawis, 16, attended the Coordinator for the Union of Ontario workshop and was impressed by Indians’ Restoration of Jurisdiction the involvement of adult mentors project. The UOI process is currently and Elders. Pawis, who moved in the fi nal stages of self-government to Sudbury from Shawanaga First negotiations in education and Nation in 2005 to attend high governance between the 42 member school at Sudbury Secondary communities of the Anishinabek School, recently joined the school’s Nation and the government of Native Council. He says he enjoys Canada. workshops that offer him leadership Leading the Way was chosen skills. to host the event because of their Participants agreed on the need success in engaging City of Greater for more cultural teaching in the Sudbury offi cials on issues related school curriculum. Aboriginal to aboriginal youth. Capacity students could learn to harvest Development Committee members medicines, clean fi sh, build a were also very impressed with wigwam and snare rabbits as part of the model presented by the youth their school experience. to outreach to other agencies and Nipissing University Others brainstormed on what services in the City of Sudbury. Sudbury needs to meet the needs Participants had the opportunity to of aboriginal youth, like more witness the unique model of youth student residences, a Native Youth leaders with their mentors. “Many of 6 x 8 drop-in, and more recreation and the participants have youth groups in

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4” X 4.5” April 2007 Anishinabek News Page 19 Kinoomaagewin/Education Five years in Japan: an Anishinabekwe perspective (Excerpted from a March 21 presentation an ad that said, “Are you a native speaker as sweet as it does here. The trees speak my new place, I arranged a house blessing. at a Health Career Fair at Sault of English?’ “Would you like to teach to you just as clearly there as they do here. I asked a Buddhist priest to come and bless College.) in Japan?” “Do you have a university There are many sacred places in Japan, the apartment. I also invited a few friends. My name is Marie McGregor degree?” I could answer affi rmatively to too. There are those that are constructed, So, the priest said his prayers and sang his Pitawanakwat, and I am from the Whitefi sh those three questions. like the temples and songs. Afterward, we had a small feast River First Nation at Birch Island, By November of 1999, shrines. And there are together. He asked, ”Did someone die Ontario. I was in Japan working those natural, timeless here?” I said no, that we had a custom of Once upon a time, when we were for the largest language ones, like we have here. blessing a new place when we move in. children, my parents took us to visit an school there, based in Many times, when I went He said, “It’s a good custom.” I stayed in American family vacationing in McGregor Kobe, teaching ESL/ hiking in the mountains, that apartment for about four years. Bay. They were very kind and friendly ESP to the company’s accompanied by friends, There were many other experiences people, and while my parents visited them, customers. They came I could leave my tobacco, which can only be explained by having we could read through their magazines from all walks of life and food, coin and water grown up in an Anishinabe environment. and newspapers. They had the National included researchers, offerings, quietly and It’s the experience of having grown up in Geographic magazine, and many back executives, housewives, serenely, with the prayers an Anishinabe environment that has helped issues. It was great to be able to see the managers, students, there, too. If a friend me to stay grounded, helped to see and pictures, and read the stories about the way professors and so on. It saw, I would explain, and maintain balance, and helped to survive in that other people around the world lived. was intriguing to fi nd out they would understand. a foreign country. One of the most memorable things my where they worked, how There were also The main idea I would like you to late ex-husband told me was, “you can go they lived and I started to “Grandmother” spirits take away today is this: no matter where anywhere in the world you want.” I will learn about their history, there, too. One day, you go, or how far away, or how alien the always remember that. customs and culture. Marie McGregor Pitawanakwat about a year after I culture is, you will always be Anishinabe. When I was fi nishing my degree in During the time I arrived there, I decided It is possible to retain the best of who you business through videoconference via was in Japan, I never forgot who I was and to move out and fi nd my own apartment. are and where you come from. You carry it Queen’s University I started to think about where I came from. The sun shines just as Up to that point, I had been living in the around in your heart, in your mind, in your what to do next. Then, one day, I opened beautifully on the other side of the world company’s apartments. It was time to go memory and in the way you treat other the Globe and Mail newspaper, and saw as it does here. The fresh water tastes just out on my own. Shortly after moving into people.

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Native Studies FULL PAGE FULL CENTRE SPREAD Page 22 Anishinabek News April 2007 Kinoomaagewin/Education Program providing Trent tradition PETERBOROUGH – More than 800 participants attended the 31st Trent Natives sneak peek University Elders and Traditional Peoples gathering. Organizer Vern Douglas says the into university life Trent University PhD candidate Lynn Gehl and Indigenous Studies event’s goal is to bring Program chair Prof. David Newhouse examine a collection of Haudenosaunee wampum belts. indigenous knowledge By Julie Ovenell-Carter students entering Grades 11 or 12 into the academic VANCOUVER – At 15, Powell attended the program from July world “to hear people River high school student Sosann 17-23. SFU’s First Nations student speak for themselves… Blaney had already decided not to centre director Sasha Hobbs, who and address pursue post-secondary education. oversees the program, says Pesk’a misconceptions.” One year later, she was certain that “offers a taste of the fuller Shad Undergraduate This year’s student Dakota Brant higher learning was in her future Valley program, but incorporates workshops included Jan with a miniature – a turnaround she attributed in aboriginal cultural activities, Longboat’s Medicine Two-Row Wampum. part to her participation in Pesk’a, perspectives and ways to help Teachings, Shirley a unique summer program for promote cultural identity.” Williams’ Anishinaabemowin Worldview, aboriginal youth based at Simon The organizers of Pesk’a Imagining the Future by David Newhouse, Fraser University. “want to help aboriginal students and The Changing Face of Eldership by “I know that eventually I’m see a place for themselves in Michael Thrasher. going to college,” said Blaney, a post-secondary institutions,” says Respected Anishinaabemowin teacher Shirley Williams shows her Chief Keith Knott welcomed visitors to speaker’s gift to Union of Ontario Indians communications director the traditional territory of Curve Lake First member of the Sliammon nation Hobbs. “We want them to have the Maurice Switzer. – Photos by Caitlyn Contin Nation. who hopes to one day run an same opportunity as other students adventure travel company. to discover where they belong. She fi rst heard about Pesk’a “Aboriginal students are so when her art teacher at Brooks under-represented in post-secondary secondary school handed her an schools that any aboriginal student application for the week-long who makes the choice to attend program. college or university is cause for “I always thought it wasn’t for celebration,” she says. me, but at Pesk’a I was meeting all “They are a role model for their these people who were probably siblings and for the community Day Advertising going to college who I thought at large. Pesk’a helps remove the were pretty cool people. It made me mental and emotional barriers to reconsider.” that choice.” Now in its third year, Pesk’a During their week in Vancouver, Ministry Social Services – which means hummingbird, Pesk’a students tour and participate a symbol of healing, in in lectures at various campuses, Halq’emeylem – is co-ordinated including SFU, the University by Shad International, a non-profi t of British Columbia, Emily Carr Ontario-based organization which college of art and design and the for the past 25 years has organized British Columbia Institute of 6” x 8” acclaimed month-long science- Technology. They also visit local and-leadership programs for high- attractions such as Storyeum and potential Canadian young people. the Museum of Anthropology, and The program based at SFU “is a visit students participating in the forum for aboriginal students to month-long Shad Valley program excel and explore their potential at UBC. with the mentorship of aboriginal Though the campus visits were role models,” says Shad Valley an eye-opener for Blaney, what she president Barry Bisson. liked best about the program “was This past year 20 aboriginal that it was all aboriginal.”

ONECA (2) 4 x 4.5 April 2007 Anishinabek News Page 23 Kinoomaagewin/Education Ruby Slipperjack: from trapline to professor High school and is happily married with three individuals. Honour the Sun completion By loving children. is her latest book and she has Raymond M. Johns Today, all of her children an upcoming novel called Dog are grown up and are graduates Tracks which should be released key target furthering their education in in 2008. WINNIPEG (CP) – A federal NORTH BAY – Dr. Ruby various fi elds. Dr. Slipperjack also government study suggests Slipperjack was born and raised Dr. Slipperjack chairs the Department that educational gaps between in Northwestern Ontario in her writes from her of Indigenous natives and non-natives are father’s trap line near Whitewater own personal Learning at narrower than widely believed. Lake. experiences and Lakehead The She is a member of the does not write University in report’s author Eabametoong (Fort Hope) First stories that are Thunder Bay. is Michael Nation. Before she turned 8 years not hers. She The Mendelson, a old she never spoke a word of believes that students of senior scholar at the Caledon English. It was fi ve years before would be an Chippewa Ruby Slipperjack, age 12 Dr. Slipperjack was then placed invasion of High School Institute of Social Policy into a residential school. At age privacy and were very and showed no signs of dis- in Ottawa 20 she was very familiar with the might attentive traction throughout the whole and a former rifl e and also painted when she offend presentation which made time fl y Michael Manitoba got bored. because before you knew it, the Mendelson other deputy minister Today, Dr. Slipperjack writes bell for the end of the school day of social services. The study says books and tours, and manages to had rung. From the brief history of aboriginal high school graduates visit elementary and high schools the slideshow that Dr. Slipperjack are just as likely to complete and in February spoke to a Grade showed was not only informative post-secondary education as 12 class at Chippewa Secondary but also a brief history of how it other high school graduates, and School in North Bay. She also “I feel the land squish between my toes, really was back in her time. notes that aboriginal people in travels internationally, promoting “I feel the land squish between both Newfoundland and Prince her Aboriginal ancestry. that is what I write about.” my toes, that is what I write about” Edward Island are more likely Ruby calls Thunder Bay home she says. to complete non-university post-secondary education than the non-native population. 30 Natives interviewed by medical school Still, almost 50 per cent of working-age aboriginals did not SUDBURY – Over 400 prospective medical school students – 30 of them “This year marks the third year the Northern Ontario School of fi nish high school. self-identifi ed as aboriginal – were at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine has accepted student applications. Just like the previous Mendelson suggests this Medicine (NOSM) campuses in Sudbury and Thunder Bay to undergo years, we are searching for highly motivated students from a variety of means the government should in-depth interviews as part of their application to the MD program. backgrounds who are self-directed, and who will excel in a small group- focus on having aboriginal This year, the school received 2274 applications, a ten per cent based, distributed learning environment,” said Dr. Tom Szabo, Associate youth complete high school increase from the number of applications received in each of the last two Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions. He added, “Our goal is to reach rather than focusing on post- years. those who have a strong interest in practicing medicine in urban, rural secondary education. The applicants, many from Northern Ontario, are competing for 56 and remote communities in the North.” “In some cases this may coveted student seats. Candidates in both cities were also given the opportunity to tour the mean providing accessible, ‘second chances’ for older This year, 415 of the 2274 applicants were selected for interviews. medical school buildings and facilities, the respective city, and meet with aboriginal students that are now Roughly half of the candidates were assessed in Sudbury at the School’s current students. Offers of admission from the School will be sent out to ready to take on this challenge,’’ East Campus on March 24 and 25, while the rest were assessed in Thunder successful candidates on May 15, 2007, while Orientation Week for the he said. Bay on March 31 and April 1. NOSM 2007 fi rst year class begins on August 20, 2007. Northern students work at welding By Roberta Oshkawbewisens Martin Theory and Welding Quality. KIRKLAND LAKE – A Level One Students worked hard for their Welding Apprenticeship Program fi rst-year success and completed for First Nations students began in their work placement in Timmins August, 2006 at Northern College’s with Steeltec and The Bucket local campus with a two-week Shop. Graduates are in the process Life Skills session, which involved of becoming employed with meeting all these companies to gain their welding and apprenticeship hours to continue college staff and the second and third year to gain touring Kirkland their full status in the Welders Lake. Apprenticeship fi eld. A total of All students received the Life 14 weeks of Skills working in this fi eld, and our intense training anishinabe-kwe-wuk and niini-a- that form part of wuk gained balance and strength. this agreement This is part of our own teachings also included Roberta in our culture and traditions, with Introduction Oshkawbe- all of Creation we work beside one wisens Martin to Welding, another in harmony. Health and Safety Certifi cation As Native Student Advisor at with WHMIS, First Aid/CPR and Northern College, I commend these NORCAT Orientation, Introduction graduates for their hard work and Graduates of Welders Apprentice Program for First Nations at Northern College’s Kirkland Lake Campus to Power Tools, Welding Terminology commitment, and to their families and Timmins employer placement representatives: from left, Suzy Symes, the Bucket Shop/Steeltec; Sissie and Safety in the Welding Shop, Blue for the support and encouragement Wesley, Kashechewan; Sylvia Edwards, Moosonee; Brian Richard, Moose Factory; Trevor Manchester, Print Reading, Trade Mathematics, for their loved one’s success in this Moosonee; Paul Woodward and Merle Brownrigg, the Bucket Shop/Steeltec. (Missing from photo – Daniel Welding and Cutting, Welding fi eld. Chum, Moose Factory). Page 24 Anishinabek News April 2007 Kinoomaagewin/Education

ASK HOLLY BY HOLLY BRODHAGEN [email protected] Schooling risk factor for gangs A reader asked for my help in fi nding information about Native gangs in Canada. The information I found makes me appreciate the work that is being undertaken by our leaders and community workers to help our youth. In a report commissioned by Correctional Services of Canada (2000), former National Chief Ovide Mercredi said that Native gangs are a refl ection of the continued struggles of aboriginal people in Canada to have their rights and the responsibilities of the federal government recognized. But there are a number of specifi c risk factors that contribute to any youth’s potential involvement with gangs. (2005) outlined other programs and These include drug use, services that address the issue of low self-esteem and feelings of Youth Gangs. It found that Quebec alienation, poverty, abuse, racism, provides the most programs with under-resourced communities, peer the Western provinces coming in pressure and a lack of education. second, Ontario offers only 5% of These are all factors found in the country’s anti-gang programs. Native communities and in urban There are none in the Maritime. aboriginal populations, so it is not a Ten of the programs outlined in the surprise that Natives make up 22% report were specifi cally designed of gang members in Canada. for aboriginal youth. Additionally, aboriginal youth Len Untereiner from Spirit represent a large portion of the Keepers Youth Society says “We prison population and fall victim know that gangs are not going to gang recruitment practices while away, but we can stop or prevent in jail. If and when they return to kids from joining.” Prevention their communities, they bring the measures include education and prison/gang mentality back with employment training, counselling them. This begins a cycle of gang for individuals and families, RENEWING PARTNERSHIP – Canadore College and the Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI) have renewed their unique educational partnership to promote program opportunities and excellence for Anishinabek learners. recruitment, criminal activity and community development and cultural awareness. On March 20, Canadore president Barbara Taylor and Anishinabek Grand Council Chief John Beaucage community disruption. renewed a four-year-old agreement for community-based delivery of three programs – Personal Support Programs like Spirit Keepers Holly Brodhagen, Dokis First Worker, Anishinabek, Maintenance Management, Anishinabek, and Social Service Worker, Anishinabek – and Youth Society in Alberta were Nation, holds a Masters of Social added a new Offi ce Administration program to the partnership. To date a total of 36 students have successfully created to address the problems of Work degree. Questions or completed the requirements for the Social Service Worker and Personal Support Worker programs under the aboriginal youth joining gangs. A comments can be directed to her partnership agreement. The Small Communities Maintenance Management and the Offi ce Administration report prepared for Public Safety and c/o by e-mail at askholly@gmail. program will be new AEI offerings this fall at the Muncey-Delaware and Fort William Campus sites. Emergency Preparedness Canada com – Photo by Priscilla Goulais

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